MAY 10, 2002

Agnelli in hospital for tests

GIANNI AGNELLI, the honorary chairman of Fiat and the man who is ultimately in control of Ferrari is expected to remain in hospital in the United States for several weeks being treated for a prostate problem. The 81-year-old, who is the grandson of the founder of the Fiat car company, is one of the world's leading industrialists and a keen supporter of Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo and Michael Schumacher.

Rumors that Agnelli had died hit Fiat stock this week as the market speculated that General Motors would take over the troubled Fiat Auto Holdings in 2004. Agnelli is against the deal.