"Do you mind if I smoke?", Stefano - Daniele's cousin light up his cigarette without waiting for our reply. Me and Koen were sitting on the back of the car with a sand bag in between while Tomas took the front seat along side the driver Stefano. As soon as we came out of the airport Bologna, we found Stefano steering the car as adeptly as any F1 driver could. With one hand holding the mobile while talking to a friend and the other hand holding the cigarette, Stefano could nonchalantly change the lanes from slow to fast and vice versa, mimicking an expert. Bemused with each lane change, me and Koen were colliding sideways on the sand bag one after the other, as if we were in a roller coaster. Quite a bit of a show really until we found ourselves racing with Daniele's car in the parallel lane. Imagine or not, these two drivers were literally racing against each other on one of the busy highways in Italy and later in the heart of their hometown, Modena. Although they raced against each other vehemently, Daniele never (never ever) speed-ed against the car driven by his uncle/father/mother. When questioned why, he responded, "Elders in the family have to be respected. It's a must, a complete must in Italy." By comparison, the elder generation was much more disciplined when it came to driving. It's much safer to be driven by them :-)
Italian drivers and Ferrari do have a special connection, as every F1 Italian driver aims to be a part of the Ferrari's racing team one day in his career. These were the times when Ferrari's Felipe Massa has had a life threatening accident and there were talks about Schumacher making his comeback to the F1 circuit. Looking at these fantastic drivers, left me convinced that Ferrari need not be looking for drivers outside Italy* as there is a lot of hidden talent in Italy alone. The last day tour to Ferrari town, Maranello-Modena and the Ferrari museum were one of the most memorable experiences all of us will cherish for one life to mention the least. We had never ever seen So Many of Them, So close, for So long together in such a short time. We could also don the drivers seat in a F1 car and feel what's it like to be a F1 driver. The seat is so low to the ground for the aerodynamic reasons that you would really feel dragged on the ground at supersonic speeds. must be an incredible experience driving those machines. Apparently, we found ourselves short of time for the ride in a Ferrari (yes, you can rent a Ferrari here paying EUR 60-70 for 10-15 mins or so). Next time, during the visit, this ride must (a genuine must) be the first on the cart. Enjoy the photos...
Italian drivers and Ferrari do have a special connection, as every F1 Italian driver aims to be a part of the Ferrari's racing team one day in his career. These were the times when Ferrari's Felipe Massa has had a life threatening accident and there were talks about Schumacher making his comeback to the F1 circuit. Looking at these fantastic drivers, left me convinced that Ferrari need not be looking for drivers outside Italy* as there is a lot of hidden talent in Italy alone. The last day tour to Ferrari town, Maranello-Modena and the Ferrari museum were one of the most memorable experiences all of us will cherish for one life to mention the least. We had never ever seen So Many of Them, So close, for So long together in such a short time. We could also don the drivers seat in a F1 car and feel what's it like to be a F1 driver. The seat is so low to the ground for the aerodynamic reasons that you would really feel dragged on the ground at supersonic speeds. must be an incredible experience driving those machines. Apparently, we found ourselves short of time for the ride in a Ferrari (yes, you can rent a Ferrari here paying EUR 60-70 for 10-15 mins or so). Next time, during the visit, this ride must (a genuine must) be the first on the cart. Enjoy the photos...
Upside down or down side up! It's Ferrari cheering u up!!
Ferrari F1 Car. I have a picture with me driving :p. Need to receive from Tomas. 'll blog later
NBH F1 Fans and Ferraris!!!
The Beauty
NBH F1 Drivers?
Never knew such a model ever existed
You can really rent this car for a while* As far as my information about F1 goes, another Italian Giancarlo Fisichella (former key Force India driver) joined the Ferrari team in the recent past.
6 comments:
Orgasmic!
Boy you are lucky to go there and personally see,touch and feel the beauties.
Pray for me taht I get such a chance very early in the near future.;-D
You know what? I went to Modena many years back for a conference and missed making a pilgrimage to Ferrari, they must be having something for the visitors I think! Enjoyed your pictures and the description of your ride!
dude have u ever driven in India. I am sure they are still better than our drivers :)
i never knew "respect elders" culture still exists in Europe :O
and renting a Ferrari for 60-70 bucks is cooool :)
Hari,
r u serious saying Cars are Orgasmic? m no car maniac and find this baffling.
Preetam,
You will have your opportunity soon. If you are passing by Belgium or West Europe just ping me. may be 'll be able to sync up.
Mridula,
"Ferrari pilgrimage": Fantastic term. loved it. Wish i would have been so creative.
Ashwin,
I did not completely get ur point. Who are better drivers, Italians or Indians?
Peru,
Indians and Italians, India and Italy are far close to each other. The aroma is very similar and so is the warmth of the people. No wonder, Italians are considered "Indians of Europe".
60-70 bucks is only the prize of the ride but has amazing value attached, isn't it?
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