04/03/2011
NEWS STORY
Felipe Massa was in action at the Reem International Circuit, near Riyadh in Saudi Arabia yesterday, part of a promotional event for Philip Morris International.
It was not only the first time the Brazilian has driven the circuit but the first time he has visited the country, though teammate Fernando Alonso had to cancel his trip as he felt "under the weather".
The 2008 championship runner-up played chauffeur to around forty guests speeding them around the circuit in an F430 Challenge. Also present was team principal, Stefano Domenicali.
"It's always nice to visit somewhere new and I'm just sorry I can't spend more time here," said the Brazilian. "The track is very interesting and fun, so I hope I get a further opportunity to drive here. At the moment, our work in the build up to the start of the World Championship is intense and so we have to get back to base soon."
"Events and venues like these are important to boost motor sport in countries which have only recently embraced it," added Domenicali. "For Ferrari, the Middle East is a very important market which we watch very carefully."