Scuderia Ferrari flies Piaggio Aero

Prancing Horse

The prancing horse was the symbol displayed on the tail of the aircraft flown by Count Francesco Baracca, a great pilot who served with the Italian Air Force during the First World War.
In 1923, after the victory of Enzo Ferrari (also nicknamed the Drake) on the Salvio circuit, Baracca’s mother, the Countess Paolina, donated to him the symbol of the horse saying “Use the horse, as it is the true symbol of my son.  Place it on your cars and it will bring you luck.”
Ferrari then added to the horse, the yellow colour and the symbol of the city of Modena.  Since that time the prancing horse has remained Ferrari’s trademark, and now the  'Cavallino Rampante’  is proudly displayed on the P180 Avanti.
The logos aren’t the only connections between the car and the aircraft.
As the Chairman of Piaggio Aero Industries and Vice Chairman of Ferrari S.p.A, Piero Ferrari transcends aviation and automobiles as one of the most authoritative ambassadors of Italian technology.

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A glimpse into the future

Jerez de la Frontera, 3rd December 2009 

This was a special day for the top three finishers in the Italian Formula 3 Championship, who today were given the chance to drive an F60. Afterwards, they explained how it felt during a short press conference. In charge of the programme, Luca Baldisserri was happy with the outcome “ The lads tackled the opportunity given them in a mature way, while this was a more difficult challenge than the one faced by those who drive at Fiorano last year. Here, there were other young drivers on track, all very keen to show their potential, while the track itself is more complicated. I believe that more of this type of event is the way to go for Formula 1.”
The quickest of the three, the Mexican, Pablo Sanchez Lopez, thanked everyone who had helped him realise his dream: “at first, it was difficult to deal with the power of this incredible car, then in the last few laps, even if I was struggling, it was absolutely fantastic.” Daniel Zampieri, who was second fastest, underlined the importance of the advice given by Andrea Bertolini, who was in Jerez in the role of driver coach. “Andrea followed us every step of the way and his help made this an unforgettable experience.” Marco Zipoli mentioned the huge difference between the Formula 1 and Formula 3 cars: “we learned so much, especially how much horsepower still separates us from Formula 1 and it was the best experience that an aspiring driver from this fantastic series could ever hope for.” 


Montezemolo: "Felipe and Fernando, the best couple in F1"

Cheste, 15 November 2009 

A satisfied Luca di Montezemolo left the Ricardo Tormo di Cheste circuit near Valencia at the end of the show by the Formula 1 single-seaters, the final act at the Finali Mondiali. "I am very satisfied by this day. We were warmheartedly received by the fans and there were numerous clients, who didn’t want to miss this event, coming here from all over the world,” the Ferrari Chairman said. “Things like this make us proud to be part of the Ferrari family, a group of incredible people, who build dream cars and who never give up.”
Naturally Montezemolo made some reference to the next Formula 1 season: “For me Felipe and Fernando are the best drivers couple in Formula 1. I am convinced that they both will be very motivated and will want to win. I am not worried about having two Latin drivers, which may be for the first time in our history. They both know very well that first of all they are racing for Ferrari and not for themselves. I enjoy reminding you that here we have a real team spirit; not just in words but in reality: an example is the relationship we have with a person like Michael Schumacher, who this year didn’t hesitate to be available to help the team in a difficult moment.”


Abu Dhabi GP – Thank you for everything Kimi

Yas Marina, November 1st  2009

The first edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the 17th and last race of this Formula 1 season, was dominated by the Red Bulls with Sebastian Vettel and Mark Webber. The third place went to Brawn GP’s newly crowned World Champion Jenson Button. At the end of the race, held during the sunset at the futuristic Yas Marina circuit, Kimi Raikkonen, in his last race as an official Scuderia driver, crossed the line 12th, while his teammate Giancarlo Fisichella, who had to start from the back of the grid didn’t come beyond the 16th position, despite a good start where he caught up two positions and having overtaken Renault’s Grosjean only four laps before the end of the race. The Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro was just one point short of gaining the third place in the Constructors’ Championship. Despite the great regret for a very difficult season, the team was thinking about Kimi, dedicating him a sign at the pitwall with a special message: “Thank you for everything Kimi!”


Montezemolo: Fisichella is an expert and deserves Ferrari
Maranello, September 3rd 2009 

Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo made the following comment in the course of an interview:
“I chose Fisichella for several reasons, starting with the fact he deserves it, that he’s on great form and that he is an expert driver. On top of that, we all wanted to have an Italian driver in our car for Monza and lastly, because it takes the long term view, as he will be our third driver.”

“It is an important moment, coming off the back of a great win with Kimi Raikkonen,” added the Ferrari President. “We also have the good and important news that Felipe Massa is recovering well and will be more than ready for the first race of next season.

“I wish to thank Luca Badoer who, once again has been so amenable towards Ferrari. Therefore, I look forward to Monza with confidence and especially with great pleasure at having Fisichella in the team.”

Speaking further about Felipe Massa, Luca di Montezemolo added: “the good news that Felipe will race again, that he is recovering and that he will be very ready to race next season is a further plus, after what was a terrible August for us, what with his accident, all the uncertainties and, unfortunately, Michael Schumacher’s fitness difficulties, when we would have liked to see him in our car. However, bit by bit, we are putting everything right again. Victory is the best medicine.”


Belgian GP - Fantastic win for Kimi Raikkonen
Spa-Francorchamps, 30th August 2009

Raikkonen scores the 1st win of the season for Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro, number 210 in Ferrari's history, 18th in Raikkonen's career. Third win in a row for Ferrari at the Belgian GP, won in 2007 by Raikkonen and 2008 by Massa. A surprising and exiting race today at Spa.

At the start Raikkonen gained three positions, then passing Trulli for second. An accident involving Button, Alguersuari, Hamilton and Grosjean made the safety car come out for four laps. Once the safety car came in Raikkonen, right behind Fisichella, overtook him at the Radillon, to lead the race. From then on, always ahead in the pit stops, Raikkonen crossed the line first, while Badoer concluded his race on 14th position.

Ferrari consolidates the third place in the Constructors’ Championship with 56 points, 11 ahead of McLaren. Raikkonen is now fifth in the Drivers’ standings.


Best wishes to Felipe Massa, Piaggio Aero is with the Ferrari driver
Genova, 26th July 2009

Forza Felipe we are all with you. This is the message that Piaggio Aero with its Chairman Mr Piero Ferrari and its CEO Mr Alberto Galassi and all the Company would send to the Scuderia Ferrari driver, wishing Felipe to get well as soon as possible.
Despite yesterday's accident of Felipe Massa, the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro was able to concentrate on today's race conquering a place on the podium with Kimi Raikkonen. Today's result, the best in this difficult season so far, is for Felipe

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