Mugello: the 'Golden age' of Ferrari F1 returns to the track with Schumacher and his companions

At the Mugello racetrack, the engines of the Ferrari Formula 1 cars, the most successful ever, the cars from the golden age 1996-2006, have once again roared. They are those that featured Michael Schumacher supported by a close-knit and perfectly orchestrated team. A perfect blend that produced 87 victories, five drivers' world championships and six constructors' titles. The event was included in the first edition of the historic Italian GP which is being staged this weekend on the Tuscan circuit owned by Ferrari.

Nine single-seaters simulated a GP in front of 30,000 spectators who flocked to Mugello and at the end of the show, all lined up under the central grandstand, the drivers appeared moved by the tribute they received: Eddie Irvine, Schumi's partner from 1996 to 1999, Luca Badoer, historic test driver of those golden years, Giancarlo Fisichella, Mika Salo, Nicola Larini, Antonio Giovinazzi, René Arnoux, Andrea Bertolini and Stefan Johansson. "I hadn't driven an F1 since 1997 and I had difficulty with the accelerator, at three quarters I already felt like I was very fast. My car was the 2000 Ferrari", admitted Larini. And Arnoux: "They are cars with incredible efficiency, it's always a pleasure to get into a cockpit like this."

"I didn't expect to see so many people today - commented Fisichella -. Tomorrow will be even more beautiful because we are here especially for them and without them there would be no sense in what we do. It was a great pride to drive the F2003GA, one of the most successful cars in history, driven by Schumacher. It's a shame that he isn't here, it would have been wonderful to have him too. We hope to bring him honour".

"There is great satisfaction, it's a real success", commented the president of the ACI, Geronimo La Russa, "30,000 people on a day in which motorsport offers so much more, passionate people who can't wait to be in the stands close to the cars, because another of the strengths of this event is the possibility of walking around freely, getting close to the drivers, to the cars. A winning formula".

"Italy arrived a little late compared to other nations at the historic GPs but now we are there, we want to stay there, thanks to the competence and capacity of the Ferrari organization and the Mugello circuit, with the collaboration of Aci Firenze which is present here".

The 'Golden age' parade will be repeated tomorrow.