F1 Drivers Play Charity Soccer Match in Monaco

Giancarlo Fisichella, loyal member of the Nazionale Piloti

No doubt about it, the Monaco Grand Prix is the one round of the Formula One Championship that stands alone when it comes to F1 glamour. While “blessed” with the presence of plenty of Hollywood stars, musicians and worldwide celebrities, the Monte Carlo event also gives the F1 drivers the chance to have some fun before the challenging race itself.

On Tuesday, two days before the action takes off at Monte Carlo, a F1 drivers football team played its traditional pre-Monaco grand prix charity match against the Monegasque team, presented by Prince Albert.

The now-famous Nazionale Piloti were again fitted with their traditional black and white chequered flag tie-shirts and black shorts, and was comprised of Felipe Massa (Ferrari), Fernando Alonso (Renault), Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull), Giancarlo Fisichella (captain, Force India), Sebastien Bourdais (Toro Rosso), Jarno Trulli (Toyota) and Nico Rosberg (Williams). Unfortunately, neither of the McLaren drivers were there to join their fellow “brother in arms”.

The game got under way at the famous Stade Louis II stadium (in the Fontvieille district), home of French first division club AS Monaco. Needless to say, the overall score was not really important, as the event was all for children's charity.

Racing action in Monte Carlo is set to begin on Thursday, with the first two practice sessions of the Monaco Grand Prix. All drivers will have a day to spare on Friday, while Saturday will see them resume action in Practice 3 and Qualifying.