MAY 6, 2008

Montezemolo and Silvio Berlusconi

At the end of last week there was a story in Italy suggesting that Ferrari boss Luca di Montezemolo (60) has had a meeting with incoming Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi (71) to discuss what if any role he can play in Berlusconi's new government. According to the Agenzia Giornalistica Italia (AGI) report, Montezemolo has agreed to take on a role as a "global ambassador for Italian products".

The agency said that Montezemolo was offered a ministerial position by Berlusconi, but declined the offer of any direct involvement. Berlusconi is due to name the members of his cabinet later this week with around 20 ministers due to be sworn in. It will be his third period in power, following a seven-month term of office in 1994, and then a longer term of office between 2001 and his defeat in the elections of 2006.