Meeting Fernando in Maranello

Went to Maranello 2 weeks ago for a factory visit and made it a point to go to Ristorante Montana for dinner one night, Cavallino the other... .

Maurizio (Montana owner) tells us that Fernando had been in earlier for lunch and for dinner the night before, but could not guarantee he would be back...there is a large party in the front room, so he puts our party of 5 in the small, private room in the back. I jokingly tell my 10 year old "If Fernando does come back, I bet they will put him in this room and shut the door for privacy."

Two hours and no Fernando, so I tell my son "Ok, we will wait until 10P and that's it." Literally at 9.50 we hear applause from the front and turn around to see Fernando directly in front of us...Maurizio sits him, his wife and manager right next to us and shuts the door.

I've met a few famous folks from time to time and know they want their time alone so I explained to my son "He may not want to sign anything, so don't be disappointed."

Turns out he had been in the simulator all day and one could tell he was exhausted, but after we told him my son had been pacing the room for 2 hours waiting, he signed 3 autographs for us and took this photo.

My son, who is 6 years too young for the Factory Tour didn't seem to mind and his first trip to Maranello will never be forgotten.
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Cool stuff. He'll remember that for years to come.

 

Wow. He is almost 'kid-like' in his build. Must have to be in pretty phenomenal condition though. What an experience!
Jim

 

Yes, very fit and not large at all. Then again, look at the size of the cockpit. At the Galleria Ferrari my son went in the F1 (game) simulator and it fit a 10 year old fine!

 

Very cool!

 

What a great experience. We were there for lunch back in June. Didn't recognize anyone at that time. Had a great lunch though.

 

Great timing!

I saw Massa 2 years ago when my wife and I were eating at Montana's. That was the highlite of the day.

(no pics!)

 

Great story! No one when I went there unfortunately (everyone was at the World Finals), nice of him to spend some time with you guys.

 

very cool. glad you could get that for your son, and glad alonso was nice about it.

maybe he isnt such a bad guy after all

 

Shirt is ironic in light of this past weekends German GP.

 

As is him standing next to the Massa photo.

 

Our experience, as well as from what all the local folks in and around Maranello told us, is that Fernando is very accommodating and friendly.

 

I got a little chuckle out of that too.

 

Very nice!!!!


PDG

 

cool

 

cool little story. people always talked crap about fernando. people that never met him said he was a jerk but this is solid proof that hes a decent dude.

 

met and spoke with him twice at indy. seemed pleasant considering.

 

Very Cool. That's a day he'll NEVER forget!!!!!!!!! Good Job Dad!!!!!

 

Very cool!

 

I dont blame celebrities when they want to be left alone, but it's very cool when they take the time for fans. Thats an awesome experience for a young guy.