F1: Domenicali quits Ferrari, takes blame for poor form

'Put team first again', says Montezemolo

(ANSA) - Maranello, April 14 - Stefano Domenicali on Monday quit Ferrari after six years as Formula One team boss, saying he was taking the blame for the Italian glamour team's poor form over recent years. Domenicali, 48, resigned with immediate effect and was quickly replaced by Ferrari North America CEO Marco Mattiacci, the historic Italian racing team announced. Mattiacci's appointment was also effective immediately, Ferrari said.

Ferrari Chairman Luca Cordero di Montezemolo issued a statement thanking Domenicali "not only for his loyal contribution and commitment, but for his great sense of responsibility that knew how to put the interests of Ferrari before his own". The chairman went on to thank Domenicali for his 23 years with Ferrari. "I also want to wish Mattiacci the best, a prized manager who has accepted this challenge enthusiastically," said the former head of Fiat.

Domenicali, 48, struggled to keep the Scuderia competitive after winning a constructors' title - some would say fortuitously - in his first year with Ferrari in 2008, a year after the Scuderia's last drivers' triumph with Kimi Raikkonen under the legendary Jean Todt in 2007.