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Ecclestone would welcome Ferrari title in 2013

Bernie Ecclestone is a known fan of Sebastian Vettel but would like a change at the top in 2013 © Getty Images

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• Drivers:
• Fernando Alonso
• |
• Bernie Ecclestone
• |
• Sebastian Vettel

• Teams:
• Ferrari
• |
• Red Bull

Bernie Ecclestone says "it wouldn't be too bad a thing if we were to have a change at the top of the sport" and would welcome a return to form for Ferrari in 2013.

While Fernando Alonso was a close runner-up in the drivers' championship last season, Sebastian Vettel won a third consecutive title as Red Bull continued its dominance. Speaking to Corriere della Sera about his comments that Vettel deserved the title over Alonso, Ecclestone admitted he thinks Vettel can improve even further but said he'd like to see a change at the top in the coming season.

"I explained that Vettel is a true champion, but that he's still young and can only improve in terms of being a character in the sport and in terms of his personality," Ecclestone said. "As for Alonso, after three years of dominance by Red Bull it wouldn't be too bad a thing if we were to have a change at the top of the sport, perhaps with Ferrari leading the way again."

Ecclestone also clarified his position following a war of words with Luca di Montezemolo, saying that the pair's relationship had not been damaged.

"Montezemolo is still a friend and I'm convinced that he didn't really intend to say the things he said about me, about my age and my ability to continue to work. I'm happy - it's just 'role playing'!

"All I said was that [Red Bull] deserved to win the Drivers' and Constructors' titles again and that I didn't agree with the stance Ferrari were taking with the appeal against the alleged and non-existent rule infringement by Vettel at Interlagos."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.