Felipe’s Indian debut
New Delhi, 25 October – On arriving in New Delhi, Felipe Massa was immediately able to appreciate the passion the people of this country have for Ferrari. The Brazilian driver was the guest of honour, along with a fiery red 458 Italia, at a dinner organised by Ferrari India at the Leela Palace Hotel. It was also attended by many Prancing Horse owners as well as the Italian Ambassador to India, Giacomo Sanfelice di Monteforte. Felipe was given a warm welcome, especially by the children who immediately surrounded him, clamouring for autographs and to have their photo taken alongside him. “I am happy to be here in India and I am sure it will be a very enjoyable week,” said Felipe, as he addressed the guests. “This is a country that is growing very quickly, year after year, just like my native Brazil. We hope to be able to leave here on Sunday night, having secured a great result!”
This was not the only off-track activity planned for the two Scuderia Ferrari drivers. On Thursday morning, Fernando Alonso, in his role as a UNICEF ambassador, will visit a paediatric hospital in the Indian capital, bringing gifts for the children who are being treated there, to celebrate Diwali, the festival of light, which is one of the most important events in the Hindu religious calendar. Having one of the world’s top sportsmen there should highlight what is a delicate topic in India, vaccination against poliomyelitis. “Those who are fortunate like me have a duty to do something for those who suffer and are disadvantaged,” said Fernando before leaving for New Delhi. “I feel a great sense of responsibility as a UNICEF ambassador and I hope this initiative will help make everyone understand just how important a topic is vaccination against poliomyelitis. In recent years, giant steps forward have been made in this field, to combat this terrible illness, but there is still much to do, especially when it comes to the children.”
Credit: Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro (www.ferrari.com)
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