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Did Ferrari block Montezemolo from becoming F1 chairman?

The Formula One Group has appointed a series of new directors to its board. But while ousted Ferrari chief Luca di Montezemolo is among them, the latest reports suggest that he was earmarked to become the group's chairman, but that Sergio Marchionne blocked the appointment. Montezemolo, for those just joining us, served as chairman of Ferrari since 1991, but was ousted just a couple of months ago by Sergio Marchionne, chief executive of parent company Fiat Chrysler Automobiles who took his place at the head of the table in Maranello. During his tenure as Ferrari chief, Montezemolo sat as the team's representative on the F1 board (and also as chairman of the Formula One Teams Association), but despite having broken ties with Ferrari, Luca was renominated to the board as an independent member. That seat on the board, however, could have been at the head of the table, according to circulating reports, had Marchionne not expressed certain reservations, if not blocked the nomination outright. Montezemolo's appointment would have meant that both the F1 Group and the FIA would have been headed up by former Ferrari men, although Marchionne was quoted as saying that if it had been his call, he would have prevented Jean Todt from being elected to the presidency of the FIA as well. The chairmanship of the Formula One Group is separate from the role held by Bernie Ecclestone, who will continue to run the sport's day-to-day operations. Ecclestone has also rejoined the board along with Paul Walsh, the former head of distilling giant Diageo who was also tipped as a favorite to chair the F1 board. That role instead will return to Peter Brabeck, the former head of Nestle, who had previously stepped down from the chair of the Formula One Group.

One-of-a-kind aluminum Ferrari Daytona barn find to be auctioned

Every gearhead loves a good barn find, and this one will probably go down as one of the best. The car in question is a 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona, which is a special-enough car for its gorgeous looks, impressive performance and appearance in Miami Vice. But this one is extra-special because it's a one-of-a-kind; the only aluminum-bodied Daytona built for street use. It's the latter part of that description that makes it unique. Ferrari did build a few other aluminum Daytonas, but those five cars, according to RM Sotheby's, were built specifically for racing. This one was just a normal street-ready Daytona painted in red with a black leather interior. It was sold to the founder of an Italian automotive magazine, and it changed hands within the country a few times. In 1971, it was imported to Japan where it was driven and enjoyed until its last owner parked it in 1980, where it sat until this year. RM Sotheby's will auction the car at a special Ferrari auction in Maranello on Sept. 9, 2017, where it will be sold alongside a new LaFerrari Aperta. The car will be sold in the condition you see above. The odometer reads 36,390 kilometers (about 22,611 miles), and it's believed the number is accurate. A Ferrari specialist also confirmed that the body, chassis and powertrain all match. The pictures show that the car also includes a comprehensive tool kit that includes a lead hammer for removing/attaching the knock-off wheel nuts. RM Sotheby's expects this car to sell for between ˆ1.4 million and ˆ1.7 million, which is about $1.66 million to $2.02 million at current exchange rates. Of course if the buyer wants to fully restore this car as opposed to simply preserving it, the owner could be looking at some hefty costs to bring it back to like-new condition. Related Video: Featured Gallery 1969 Ferrari 365 GTB/4 Daytona Berlinetta Alloy View 25 Photos Image Credit: RM Sotheby's Ferrari Auctions Coupe Performance Classics RM Sotheby's barn find ferrari 365 gtb4 daytona

Take a video tour of the Ferrari F12 TdF's V12 engine

Ferrari's transformation of the F12 Berlinetta from a handsome GT into a road-devouring monster – the F12 TdF – seems impressive. To make sure the engine has a wail to match the threatening exterior, the Italians massaged the 6.3-liter V12 up to 769 horsepower and 520 pound-feet of torque. It now redlines at a screaming 8,900 rpm, and propels the coupe to 62 miles per hour in just 2.9 seconds. This new video takes viewers inside the upgraded mill to illustrate how these improvements were made. Among the host of changes, the intake receives variable-geometry intake trumpets. Even in his computer-animated video, they're amazing to watch in action. Ferrari has some other tricks too, though. Let the company show you the benefits of all the tweaks in this clip.