Surprise Choice of Ferrari Back-Up Driver

Luca di Montezemolo outside Walsall's award winning Bus Station

Speaking from a bus shelter in Walsall, a man with a cider bottle who told us he was Luca di Montezemolo said "Frankly, we're quite glad that Michael pulled out. We're fed up of him wandering round the pits saying 'I used to be World Champion, you know.' We need fresh new talent."

Warming to his topic, he continued "Russ has all the qualities we're looking for. He's young, he's raced recently, unlike Michael, and the real bonus is he understands KERS." The latter comment is understood to refer to Russ's ability to recharge the onboard battery by plugging in the Halfords charger, and to use the starter button. Both represent major steps forward on Schuey. Montezemolo went on to add that "Of course, there is a precedent. The last time we put a Brummie in a red car that was a bit of a dog, the daft beggar went and won first time out. We're hoping Russ will follow suit."

In case anybody doubts the story, here's a picture of the smiling former Mono driver in his new company car, pictured prior to a secret test at a venue described by insiders as "somewhere in Wiltshire".

Story by Norbert Pattingham

Pictures by Rich Whitefoot and Ferrari.com