IL LEONE BACK ON THE PRANCING HORSE

Mansell to race Ferrari F430 at Silverstone FIA GT

Mansell gets to know the F430

Nigel Mansell OBE will be back in a Ferrari at Silverstone on 6^th May. The former world champion will be driving for Scuderia Ecosse in the FIA GT championship at the Tourist Trophy event. Mansell drove for Ferrari in the 1989 and 1990 seasons winning three Grand Prix and was the last driver to be personally selected by Enzo Ferrari before the old man’s death in 1988.

The team heard a rumour that Mansell was considering driving a Ferrari 430 in America and suggested he might like to try closer to home.

Nigel joined regular drivers Chris Niarchos and Andrew Kirkaldy at Knockhill in Scotland on 5 April where he was reported to be quickly on the pace. In addition to the Knockhill test, ‘Our Nige’ will be taking part in a Pirelli tyre test at Estoril (24-26 April) prior to the Silverstone race to complete his preparations.

No 'tache, but still 'quick'...

Mansell said, “This was a challenge I had to accept. Stewart (Roden) runs a very good team and the cars are beautifully prepared. The Ferrari 430 is fun to drive but it remains to be seen how I will get on in a race situation as ex-F1 drivers tend to race with a target on their backs! I had a great time with the team at Knockhill and it’s going to be good to work with Pirelli again as we have enjoyed many years working together in the past. I hope to see everyone at Silverstone as I think we are in for a great weekend of racing.”