Ford and Ferrari settle differences over F-150 name
Finally there is an agreement between Ferrari and Ford, over the use of the F-150 name; Ford has decided to drop the charges against Ferrari.
The controversy started when Ferrari named their new F1 car F-150 in honour of the 150th anniversary of Italy’s unification. Ford claimed that F150 is the name of their best selling pick-up truck in the United States and it is therefore an infringement of
copyright act.
Ford subsequently took legal action against Ferrari and the American company filed papers in the US District Court in Detroit. Ford asked Ferrari to change the name of their latest car and also asked them to pay unspecified damages.
Ferrari reacted by saying that it would instead use the full-formal name of their 2011 car, the Ferrari F150th Italia.
Ford has subsequently dismissed the case, bringing an end to the lawsuit between the two companies.
Ford spokeswoman Anne Marie Gattari told the Detroit Free Press: "We are pleased we were able to resolve this issue amicably.
"This resolution ensures that Ford's famous and distinctive F-150 trademark will be protected."
Michael Schumacher determined to keep fighting
When one talks about Ferrari, it is hard not be reminded of the legend Michael Schumacher. The German is no longer with the Italian team, but still remains a big part of the team’s rich history. Schumi won 7 world titles and 6 of those came with Ferrari;
he retired from the sport in 2006 but has made his way back with Mercedes. The former World champion did not have the best first season back, but he is determined to fight and insists "I'm not too old".
Schumacher admits that he is not the same man who won all those titles, but also added that he still has it in him to win.
The German turned 42 in January, and is set to start his 2nd season back in the sport with Mercedes.
Michael Schumacher was not able to finish in top 3 in any of the races last season, and he was constantly outpaced by his Mercedes team mate Nico Rosberg.
Now that he is past the mark of 40, many of his critics have started to say that he is no longer agile enough to regain his pace that he had in his prime.
The German veteran though refuses to give in. He said that even though he admits that the years gone by have taken its toll on his body, but he still has it in him to be the best on the track.
"Certainly it is not possible to turn back the biological clock, It is a fact that I am not absolutely the same now as I was 10 or 15 years ago. But as to whether I am still good enough, I would say yes." said Schumacher.
Michael Schumacher tried to end his career at Ferrari on a winning note, but his last two seasons with the Scuderia he was beaten to the title by Fernando Alonso. He almost made a comeback in 2009 when his former team mate Felipe Massa encountered a serious
head injury. But a neck injury kept him out, however the very next season his former boss and mentor Ross Brawn convinced him to get back in the cockpit. He did not make a comeback with Ferrari but his former Ferrari boss Ross Brawn is the man who was the
brains behind most of his wins at Ferrari, and there is no reason why the two cannot rekindle the magic at Mercedes.
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