Christmas spirit strikes at Ferrari.

This weekend proved a busy one for Ferrari's Formula 1 drivers. Michael Schumacher, Rubens Barrichello and Luca Badoer started off on Saturday with the Festione Sportiva's traditional Christmas lunch where other guests included Ferrari's President, Luca di Montezemolo, and the company's two General Directors, Jean Todt and Amedeo Felisa. The lunch-time appointment was the occasion for the drivers to present awards to Ferrari's sponsors and suppliers who were on hand along with the whole of the Gestione Sportiva staff.

Later that afternoon, Schumacher and Todt appeared at the Bologna Motor Show, where Michael gave a demonstration drive in front of the numerous spectators in the la test Maserati Spyder with Todt strapped safely in beside him. Driver and Director were both on hand for the Golden Helmet awards organised by the Italian motor sport magazine 'Autosprint'. Schumacher was nominated best driver and Todt received the award for the best team. The award ceremony was especially memorable, for presenting the awards was none other than Alex Zanardi, who was appearing in public for the first time since his terrible accident in September in Germany. Alex was given a hero's welcome by the crowds and, after the ceremony, both Schumacher and Todt stayed behind to chat to him.

Later that evening, it was the turn of the special concert for Ferrari and Maserati employees and their families at the Palamalaguti stadium in Bologna. To celebrate the team's 2001 titles, the protagonists were again the President, Luca di Montezemolo, Todt and the drivers. With the ever-popular Italian showman, Gerry Scotti, as anchorman, the concert saw performances by leading Italian pop singers, Biagio Antonacci and Edoardo Bennato. The evening proceeded with a fascinating quiz show which starred none other than the employees of Ferrari and Maserati themselves divided into four teams with the names of famous Italian tracks - Fiorano, Mugello, Imola and Monza - with TV quiz host Gerry Scotti. The theme of the questions directed at all the teams was the history of both marques, and the winner was the Imola team.

Towards the end of the show Luca di Montezemolo, accompanied by Todt, the drivers and Piero Ferrari, took the opportunity to wish everyone not just a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, but also a 2002 full of further success to continue the year that is about to end. The final surprise came when Montezemolo announced a last special guest, Gianni Morandi, who closed the show with a selection of acoustic interpretations of some of his most popular songs.

The last appointment of the weekend saw Schumacher, Barrichello and Badoer takes part in this morning's traditional 'Children's Christmas' at Ferrari where, dressed as Father Christmases, they gave out presents to the children of the staff of Ferrari and Maserati, and joined in with their fun and games by playing with a slot-car track.

At the end of the day, Schumacher commented on this busy and varied weekend: "These pre-Christmas celebrations have become a really great traditional appointment. It's great to be here to relive such an exciting season together. It was good to see so many of the team who worked so hard during the season looking relaxed and refreshed. We know just how important it is to have their full support, and know they are motivated and happy to start all over again. It's been a wonderful weekend and what I really enjoyed most was being able to give presents to all the kids."