Ferrari Challenge Series Returns to GP of Canada (zen02)
NEWS UPDATE For Immediate Release The Tradition Continues in Montréal The Ever Spectacular Ferrari Challenge Series Returns June 11th-13th to the 2010 Grand Prix du Canada on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve Montréal, March 17, 2010 - In keeping with Grand Prix du Canada tradition, two exciting support races featuring the beautiful and powerful Ferrari 430 of the North American Ferrari Challenge Series, have been added to the June 11-13 weekend schedule on Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. Octane Racing Group, promoter of the of the event, is pleased to announce that they have reached an agreement with Ferrari North America for the presentation of two races of the single-marque motorsport championship series. In its 18th season of competition, the Ferrari Challenge Series will make its 12th visit to Montreal. "The participation of the Ferrari F430 Challenge Series at the Grand Prix du Canada has become a wonderful tradition. The passionate gentlemen-drivers that compete in their purpose-built Ferrari 430 have always produced exciting racing for our fans. We did not hesitate a moment to include them on the weekend schedule," said François Dumontier, president of Octane Racing Group and promoter of the event. "They are the pride of a great number of North American tifosi who attend the Montreal event, and the cars are always a very popular attraction in the support race paddocks for spectators. To add to the show, tradition has it that the Ferrari Scuderia designates either its team director or one of its drivers to attend the Ferrari Challenge podium ceremonies. Who knows whether Felipe Massa or Fernando Alonso could be saluting their fans prior to the race?" "We are thrilled to see the return of the Grand Prix of Canada to the 2010 Formula 1 World Championship," remarked Marco Mattiacci, Ferrari North America President and CEO. "Once the good news reached us, we immediately decided to accept the invitation to again include the Challenge Race into the Formula One weekend festivities. Canada is a country with racing in its DNA, and Quebec in particular has always demonstrated a great deal of passion for Ferrari." Sanctioned by the Grand-American Road Racing Association, the Ferrari Challenge Series exclusively features the 490 horsepower 4.3-liter V8 engine F430 model specially prepared for competition. The Challenge is designed for Ferrari owners who are not professional racers. North American authorized Prancing Horse dealer teams handle all race preparation. Ferrari Challenge Series competition is often close and intense. Fans attending the Montreal races have witnessed tremendous battles to the finish. Former Montréal Canadien hockey defenseman Patrice Brisebois, made his motor racing debut in the series. Those wishing to obtain grandstand and general admission tickets can contact the Canadian Grand Prix box office at 514 350-0000 which is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. They can also visit www.circuitgillesvilleneuve.ca, at any time to order online. As a reminder, organizers are also offering a variety of corporate packages for both small and large companies and other groups who wish to attend the 2010 Grand Prix of Canada. To make a reservation or to obtain further information, contact Julie Rioux-Paquette and Marie-Claude Boucher at 514 350-4731. Always popular, corporate packages for the Canadian Grand Prix, sell out quickly. A Canadian company established in Montreal, Octane Racing Group Inc. is the promoter of the FORMULA 1 CANADIAN GRAND PRIX by virtue of an agreement made with Formula One Administration Limited and Formula 1 World Championship Limited (together the holder of commercialization rights to F1). - End - Media Inquiries Celina Machado National Press Officer Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada 514 350 4731, #242 cmachado@octanemanagement.ca The attached photo is copyright-free for the media Ferrari Challenge Race Action Photo credit: Christopher McNeil