Ferrari: Dennis exit ‘strange’

Ron Dennis's decision to stand down as McLaren Formula One team principal is "strange", according to Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo.

McLaren and Ferrari have been at loggerheads on and off the track in recent times, especially in the 2007 spy scandal where the British outfit was stripped of all its constructor points for obtaining secret information on the Italian team.

Despite their differences, Montezemolo had kind words for Dennis.

"It seems strange to me but Ron after all the controversies and battles is a first-class person from a first-class team," the head of the Formula One Teams' Association said at Ferrari's ski retreat.

"I imagine he will have a different role. I appreciate his and many other people's support for FOTA."