Stefano Domenicali has lamented the scarcity of Italian drivers in Formula 1.
Following Vitaly Petrov’s replacing of Jarno Trulli at Caterham on Friday, the season is set to begin without an Italian driver on the grid for the first time in 42 years.
And, with his own Ferrari team manned by men from Spain (Fernando Alonso) and Brazil (Felipe Massa), the Scuderia team boss has admitted that the lack of Italian blood in the sport nowadays makes him sad.
"I am very sad that, after so many years, there will not be an Italian driver in the Formula 1 world championship field," Domenicali, was quoted as saying by the Sun.
"I say this on the sporting front and on a personal level when it comes to Jarno, who only on a few occasions has had a car capable of showing off his talents.
"So here, I wish him all the best for the future, both in racing and away from the track. It's a difficult moment for our sport, partly for external reasons."