FerMas Oto Ticaret - Ferrari and Maserati's official Turkish distributor - has opened its new showroom in Kurucesme. The company, which undertook responsibility for the Maserati brand in July 2005, launched the ultra-modern new showroom at a press conference attended by top executives from Italy and Turkey. Its official opening coincided with the running of the inaugural Turkish Grand Prix at the weekend, and several Scuderia Ferrari team members to attend the ceremony. These included reigning F1 World Champion Michael Schumacher and Ferrari Managing Director Jean Todt.

Both Maserati and Ferrari models will be displayed in the stylish new showroom. Emphasising its important in Ferrari and Maserati's future plans, the models on display included the Ferrari F430 Spider (a model first presented at the Geneva Salon in March), the 612 Scaglietti '2+2 Grand Tourer', and Maserati's super-luxurious Quattroporte executive sedan. The dealership covers 800sqm and features special areas such as a café. It is expected to become a well-known landmark in Istanbul.

Maserati Board Member, Alfredo Altavilla, made a speech that stressed the values that the Maserati brand represents. He said, "Maserati is the place to go to for people who do not want to be one of the crowd. I am sure that Maserati will be one of the best choices for Turkish customers because the elegant and sporty image of the brand suits their needs very well indeed." The General Manager of FerMas, Orhan Ülgür meanwhile stated, "We are very much dedicated to improving this business in Turkey and happy to own this place".

The showroom is a joint design by Italian and Turkish architects and fully reflects the two brand’s corporate identities and standards. It is also set to be one of the most assertive showrooms if one considers its great Istanbul location.

FELIPE MASSA GETS BEHIND THE WHEEL OF THE F2005 AT MONZA

Tuesday marked the first day of testing this week for Scuderia Ferrari, as their intensive summer track pogramme continues. The team were working yesterday at Monza - the long time home of the Italian Grand Prix.
 

The test also marked the first time Brazilian Felipe Massa has got behind the wheel of an F1 Ferrari since he signed a one year contract with the team earlier this month. His first appearance for the Scuderia was overshadowed in recent days by very public display of displeasure from Michelin - the F1 rival of Ferrari's tyre supplier, Bridgestone. The French tyre company have been vocal in their annoyance that Massa - who is currently racing for the Michelin-shod Sauber team - could be passing on useful information to their rivals.

Rubens Barrichello - who will be leaving Ferrari at the end of the season to race for BAR-Honda in 2006 - joined Massa on the track at Monza, both drivers taking to the wheel of a F2005 chassis. Barrichello concentrated on a programme centred on set-up and tyres for the forthcoming Italian Grand Prix. He completed 94 laps, the quickest in 1:22.506. Meanwhile Massa spent time acclimatising himself the F2005 as well as working on fine tuning, eventually covering 61 laps overall, with a best time of 1:23.461. The Scuderia continues testing at Monza today, when Massa will be joined on track by their official test driver Luca Badoer.