(see related story) (ANSA) - Rome, April 18 - New Ferrari Team Principal Marco Mattiacci said Friday that his lack of experience in Formula One would be a motivation to do well rather than a handicap. Former Ferrari North America car sales chief Mattiacci took over the sport's most successful team this week after Stefano Domenicali quit following another sluggish start to the season.
"We'll fight, there's a gap to close," Mattiacci told Sky TV at the Motorhome Ferrari in Shanghai ahead of Sunday's Chinese Grand Prix, his debut race at the helm of the Italian glamour team.
"First we'll see the good things in the team, then we'll make any eventual changes...
"My lack of experience gives me enormous motivation," he added, speaking to reporters for the first time since the appointment.
The 43-year-old said that at first he thought it was an April Fools' joke when Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo called to offer him the job.
New Ferrari boss 'motivated' by inexperience
Mattiacci thought job offer was April Fools' joke