22.09.2011

"The visit of Spanish karting's most promising youngsters to Maranello is for us one of the most special activities within our sponsorship of the Royal Spanish Motor Racing Federation", said María Sánchez del Corral, Banco Santander's Director of Corporate Marketing and Branding."

15 September 2011.- As sponsor of Scuderia Ferrari and the Royal Spanish Motor Racing Federation, Banco Santander offered a privileged group of 18 young Spanish kart drivers the possibility of travelling to Maranello (Italy) to visit the facilities of the Italian team, as happened last season.

The visit, which took place on Thursday 15 September, included areas as exclusive as the Ferrari road car factory, the Fiorani circuit, the brand's gallery/museum and the Competition department of the Formula 1 team. It was all great experience for these promising youngsters, whose dream is someday to get to be a part of this legendary team.

María Sánchez del Corral, Banco Santander's Director of Corporate Marketing and Branding, said: "the visit of Spanish karting's most promising youngsters to Maranello, Ferrari's headquarters, is for us one of the most special activities within our sponsorship of the Royal Spanish Motor Racing Federation. This year, we are also making it coincide with a Formula 1 test of the Ferrari Driver Academy, which we also sponsor. Every day we collaborate more, so that through this programme, the best Spanish talent has the possibility of one day achieving their dream of driving in Formula 1".

All the drivers who travelled to Italy formed part of the cadet category of the Spanish Karting Championship, whose 2011 season recently concluded with the final test disputed in Seville. Two girls and sixteen boys were the lucky ones to make this exclusive excursion.

The most eagerly-awaited moment of the day was the meeting with drivers Jules Bianchi and Sergio Pérez, who drove a few laps of the Fiorano circuit in front of the attentive gaze of Spanish motor racing's most promising youngsters. The children had the opportunity of getting up close to the drivers and checking at first hand every step that a test involves at this level, surrounded by Scuderia Ferrari personnel.

Francesco Pon, of the Ferrari Driver Academy, gave a talk to the promising youngsters, in which he spoke of the qualities and the most important aspects which must be taken into account if they are to progress in their sporting careers.

Through this visit, Banco Santander continues to support and be committed to Spanish motor racing's youngsters, complementing the Santander Promising Youngsters' Grants launched in 2009, which have already helped drivers Toni Alarcón and Victor Colomé, the winners of the two editions held.