Talking to a select group of journalists at an end-of-season dinner, Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo has spoken on a number of issues including the future of Michael Schumacher with the Maranello outfit, Kimi Raikkonen and Valentino Rossi.

Fernando Alonso's shock announcement that he is to move to McLaren in 2007, has once again prompted speculation over Michael Schumacher's future. 2005 was his fourteenth full season F1, and his tenth with Ferrari.

"It is the pilot that decides," says di Montezemolo. "However, I not only consider the driver for 2006 but for the future.

"I am convinced that Michael has another 2-3 seasons where he can perform at maximum level, therefore I hope he continues.

"However, any decision is up to him, and we will respect it when the time comes. At that time, and only at that time, we will consider other possibilities.

"We are watching a number of drivers," he admitted, "however, at this time we must concentrate on producing a competitive car.

"I repeat, it will be Michael who decides his future, and for as long as his F1 career continues, it will be with Ferrari."

The Italian played down the loss of Vodafone to McLaren: "We could not assure Vodafone the sort of (sponsorship) prominence that it wanted, because we are continuing with Marlboro. We have a long list of potential sponsors, there is an abundance of choice."

One driver who has been linked with Ferrari for some time, even more so since the Alonso announcement, is Kimi Raikkonen. However, there are fears, mainly within the Italian media, that the Finn's off-track lifestyle could prove detrimental.

"I have heard this," says di Montezemolo. "Journalists have asked whether Ferrari would accept a driver, admittedly a very fast one, who enjoys the 'highlife'.

"The truth is, the Finn is the man of the future. Even here, in Maranello, there are no nightclubs, anyhow, Todt would control it. There would be no problems.

"That said, to announce today who will drive for us in 2007 would be against our nature."

"Looking back on 2005, he said: "In any sport you cannot always continue winning. This year's champions deserve their titles fair and square.

"In 2005 we carried out endless test in order to develop the tyres, but we didn't work sufficiently on the car," he admitted. "Whatever others may say, 2005 was not simply about tyres.

"However, Ferrari is about concentration and determination, we will be competitive again, and will win again."

Finally, another subject of (almost) constant speculation is Valentino Rossi, who is scheduled to test for the team (again) next year.

"If he wants to carry out further tests, we will be happy to provide the car," says the Italian. "However, is not part of our budget, for Valentino to test simply when he wishes.

The situation is open," he adds, there is no timetable. If he decides to switch to F1 it will be because he feels confident of winning.