Pirelli's boss, MarcoTronchetti Provera, 53, though very much from the salotto buono himself, is typical of the new breed of Italian managers who promote the need for opening up.
TI's chairmanship last September, MarcoTronchetti Provera, Pirelli's chairman, must be hoping that this will bring down the final curtain on an adventure that has proved hugely expensive for Pirelli's shareholders, of which he is the largest.