New Ferrari either 'a monster or garbage' - Marchionne

Chairman and CEO of Ferrari Sergio Marchionne has revealed details of a recent trip to see how the new car for the Prancing Horse was coming along, and thinks that the Ferrari staff were so relaxed that they either have a 'monster' car or a 'garbage' car.

Ferrari have not won a constructor's championship for a decade now with their last victory coming back in 2008, and since then they have witnessed the likes of Red Bull emerge as a force, while Mercedes have dominated in the past four seasons.

Italian magazine Autosprint reports that the new Ferrari car will be launched on the 22nd of February, and Marchionne revealed some thoughts as to how the team were developing the car after a visit to the Maranello site.

"I was in Maranello for the last few days and the guys are busy but they seem too relaxed," Fiat and Ferrari president Marchionne said at the Detroit motor show.

"I can only conclude that we have either made a real monster or garbage!" he smiled.

"We have done everything to have a super strong car but we will have to wait until February 22 when we reveal it."

Alfa Romeo have recently been confirmed as the title sponsor for the Sauber Formula One team, but Marchionne, who had a hand in the deal, refused to confirm whether this meant the Italian manufacturer would have a bigger role to play in F1 in the future.

"We are sponsors but it is a work in progress with Sauber. It will take time," he said.