Formula 1
Karting capers for Ferrari
In the occasional free moments during today's preparation for the start of this grand prix weekend, all the talk among the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro boys and girls is of what fun they had yesterday. Wednesday prior to the Nurburgring race has always ...
Published: Jun 28, 2003, 2:32 PM
Copy link
Share on Viber
In the occasional free moments during today's preparation for the start of this grand prix weekend, all the talk among the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro boys and girls is of what fun they had yesterday. Wednesday prior to the Nurburgring race has always meant just one thing since 1998: a team karting evening at Michael Schumacher's family track in Kerpen, an hour's drive from here. The kart track where Michael and his brother Ralf cut their racing teeth is now a thriving business, but on this one day it is reserved exclusively for the Scuderia.
Over 80 people, including all the race team, as well as hospitality staff and some personal friends of Michael's took part in a fierce but friendly competition. Those attending all took part in a practice session at the track, which is half indoors and half outdoors. Then, based on lap times, they were split into groups of six, aimed at making the teams as equal as possible in terms of ability. Michael himself drove with his friends, but was not included in the results, for obvious reasons of fair play!
The race itself lasted one and a half hours, with compulsory pit stops to change drivers. It was action packed and exciting, proving that the Ferrari staff are truly competitive, even away from the F1 circuit.
When the chequered flag fell, the winners turned out to be a sextet which included test driver Felipe Massa and Gestione Sportiva Managing Director Jean Todt. Arguing that this was not really fair, given Massa's professional qualifications as a driver, Todt promptly and sportingly disqualified his own team! This meant the winner's trophy went to a team made up of: Adriano Casolari (engine specialist,) Nigel Stepney (race technical manager,) Giulio Ciceri (pitwall,) Manno Danilo (mechanic,) Francesco Uguzzoni (chief mechanic) and Diego Ioverno (gearbox engineer.)
"I always look forward to this event," said Michael Schumacher after the prize-giving ceremony. "All year long, these guys work hard for me and so it is important to find time to relax together in an enjoyable environment. Sure, it is a fun event, but it is also a boost to our already strong team spirit, which will be useful as we prepare to tackle the long European summer of Grands Prix."
-ferrari-
We want your opinion!
What would you like to see on Motorsport.com?
Take our 5 minute survey.
- The Motorsport.com Team
Read and post comments
Read also :
Share Or Save This Story
Copy link
Share on Viber
Previous article Williams getting stronger
Next article Panis sets the pace in European GP first practice
Top Comments
There are no comments at the moment. Would you like to write one?
View More & Comment
More from
Felipe Massa
On this day: Michael Schumacher wins… and stuns tifosi with F1 retirement
Formula 1
Formula 1
Italian GP
On this day: Michael Schumacher wins… and stuns tifosi with F1 retirement
Defendant ordered to pay £250,000 legal fees in Felipe Massa F1 title case
Formula 1
Formula 1
Defendant ordered to pay £250,000 legal fees in Felipe Massa F1 title case
Felipe Massa’s F1 2008 lawsuit will proceed to trial
Formula 1
Formula 1
Las Vegas GP
Felipe Massa’s F1 2008 lawsuit will proceed to trial
More from
Ferrari
Ferrari explains tyre pressure mistake in Monza WEC
WEC
WEC
Monza
1 h
Ferrari explains tyre pressure mistake in Monza WEC
Robert Kubica announces exit from AF Corse’s privateer Hypercar in WEC
WEC
WEC
Monza
20 h
Robert Kubica announces exit from AF Corse’s privateer Hypercar in WEC
Latest news
Alex Bowman hits out at critics in snarky post, shooting down early exit rumors
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
31 min
Alex Bowman hits out at critics in snarky post, shooting down early exit rumors
Ryan Blaney gets sweet redemption after 'nightmares' following 2024 Homestead loss
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
52 min
Ryan Blaney gets sweet redemption after 'nightmares' following 2024 Homestead loss
IndyCar 2026 season review: Dale Coyne Racing
IndyCar
Indy IndyCar 1 h
IndyCar 2026 season review: Dale Coyne Racing
Noah Gragson apologizes to Daniel Suarez for spinning him at Homestead
NASCAR Cup
NAS NASCAR Cup
Homestead-Miami
1 h
Noah Gragson apologizes to Daniel Suarez for spinning him at Homestead
Feature
Discover prime content
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
You have 2 options:
- Become a subscriber.
- Disable your adblocker.
Subscribe now Already subscribed? Sign in here
Already disabled your adblocker?
Reload page
Manage Alerts
Subscribe