Grapevine: Fighting Spirit in Madonna di Campiglio

The eleventh running of the International F1 Press Meeting ended today in Madonna di Campiglio.

The final day saw journalists and drivers in action on the slopes of Groste for a giant slalom race. Michael Schumacher was the quickest racer, with an aggregate time of 1.28.24, the race having been run in two legs. Behind him came Luca Badoer (1.29.69,) Max Biaggi (1.31.09) and Carlos Checa (1.55.50.)

Here are the best times for the press:

Italian press (men): Biagio Maglienti 1'36"13

Italian press (women): Claudia Peroni 1'48"05

Foreign press (mens): Boris Schlegelmich 1'35"71

Foreign press (women): Sandrine Haas 1'48"28

In the afternoon, the Ferrari drivers were back on more familiar territory, in a race on a frozen lake in the Trento ski resort. Alongside Badoer, Barrichello and Schumacher were three other motorsport stars: the multi-world champion from the world of motorcycling, Max Biaggi, his Marlboro Yamaha team-mate, Carlos Checa and from the Marlboro Mitsubishi Ralliart rally team, the four times world champion, Tommi Makinen.

The race, which was preceded by two qualifying sessions, was very spectacular with several changes of lead among the drivers, who pulled off moves that had the packed crowd well entertained. In the end, the three Ferrari men took the chequered flag hand in hand. Unfortunately Finland's Makinen ended up on foot because of a problem on the final lap.

As the racers contended with the crowd which swarmed onto the track after the race, the event came to an end with a fireworks display. Everyone now has next year's event to look forward to.