14.10.2004 Ferrari are to build a Formula One "Popemobile" especially for Pope John Paul II, on the anniversary of his 26th year as pontiff

Ferrari yesterday stated that they will be building a Formula One "Popemobile" especially for Pope John Paul II, on the anniversary of his 26th year as pontiff.

Ferrari-Maserati Group Chairman Luca di Montezemolo made the announcement to reporters on the occasion of a visit to the Vatican, "We will make a Ferrari Formula One car especially for the pope,"

The car will be based around the 2004 Formula One World Contructor's Championship winning Ferrari F2004, an ultra-dominant car that has also carried Michael Schumacher to the driver's title.

The specially evolved new chassis, which was quickly dubbed by the press as the "Ferrari Popemobile", will be smaller in size, but will still retain the marque's traditional red paint scheme.

Montezemolo, who earlier this year was promoted to the role Fiat Group Chairman, recalled the first of two audiences he had previously had with Pope John Paul II. "I had the honour of meeting His Holiness first of all when I was involved in organising the World Cup in 1990", while the second meeting had taken place "on the testing track at Fiorano where he (Pope John Paul II) had a ride in a Ferrari."

He finished by commenting that the Pope's interest had been warmly appreciated as "That was when Ferrari were not having great success, so the least I can do to show my appreciation is construct a special Ferrari car for him."

Pope John Paul II will celebrate the 26th anniversary of his elevation to Pontiff, the worldwide leader of the Catholic Church, this coming Saturday.