Maranello and Italy Go Wild with Celebrations

Wild celebrations broke out across Italy on Sunday, after Michael Schumacher won Ferrari's first Formula One drivers' title since 1979.

Towns in the industrial north joined remote southern islands in celebrating Schumacher's triumph at the Japanese Grand Prix, as church bells rang out in Ferrari's home town of Maranello.

Residents of Maranello - where all roads lead to the Ferrari factory - had been waiting 21 years since South African Jody Scheckter last won it for the Italian team.

In a town where Ferrari is virtually a second religion, there was also a mock funeral for the Mercedes-powered McLaren team.

In towns and cities throughout Italy, the festivities began even before the finish at Suzuka, when it became clear Schumacher was headed for a historic victory.

Fans took to the streets with red Ferrari flags emblazoned with the famous prancing horse and sounded horns.

In Naples, the owner of a red Ferrari Testarossa lead a noisy parade of less expensive cars along the waterfront.

In Rome, some 40 Ferrari owners took their polished cars through the streets of the capital and President Carlo Azeglio Ciampi spoke for many when he said: "After 21 years, finally."

The epicentre of the national party, however, was at Maranello, where Enzo Ferrari, the legendary founder of the team, died in 1988.

Many Maranello residents stayed up all night in town squares despite the rain and later watched the race on big screens.

Father Alberto Bernardoni, the Roman Catholic pastor, waited until after he had finished saying mass to ring the bells of his church.

"I know, the sound of the bells arrived a little late today but I was at the altar saying mass. We tried to pray well and certainly Michael tried to race well," he told reporters.

When Bernardoni started saying the mass, Schumacher was behind the McLaren of two times world champion Mika Hakkinen of Finland.

But by the time Bernardoni had finished praying, the German had emerged from a pit stop and was out in front.

"I am really happy. It is a great joy. I only saw the start of the race, when it wasn't going too well," said Bernardoni.

Maranello mayor Giancarlo Bertacchini said the town would throw a big party for the team in two weeks' time.

"Ferrari is a family affair here," Bertacchini said. "It has something to do with all our families. All our families are touched by Ferrari. This is a joy for everyone."

While residents were painting the town red, some Ferrari fans in Maranello put on a display of black humour.

They carried a wooden coffin with the word 'Mercedes' to the parish church and then on to the Ferrari factory.

A funeral notice that followed the coffin read: "As of October 8, McLaren departed from the affection of its loved ones."

With the festivities continuing into Sunday afternoon, roads leading into Maranello became clogged as people from other areas tried to join the party.

Luca di Montezemolo, president of Ferrari, told reporters that he had called Schumacher and told him: "I'm calling you now to say thanks because I know that in an hour you'll be drunk and you'll be out of your head."

Gianni Agnelli, honourary president of Fiat, which owns Ferrari, said he was moved by Schumacher's victory and immediately thought of how happy Enzo Ferrari would have been.

An Italian television commentator, who had a similar thought, summed up the mood by saying: "Enzo Ferrari is smiling from above the clouds."