Ron Dennis announced at the launch of the new McLaren Mercedes MP4-24 on Friday that he is stepping down from the role of team Principal to focus his attention on other aspects of the McLaren Group.

McLaren and Ferrari have had a traditionally frosty relationship over the years, but Luca di Montezemolo was keen to pay tribute to Dennis at the annual Ferrari PR event at Madonna di Campiglio.

"Despite all the polemics and the many clashed we had, Ron Dennis will always be a great person," the Ferrari President stated. "He and his team have done some extraordinary work over the last decades."

"I don't think that he'll completely leave Formula One. I appreciated the support he and all the others are giving to FOTA," he added.

Earl ALEXANDER
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