Formula 1 news
Schumacher wins Saturday Challenge of the Stars
29 November 2009Michael Schumacher left a number of current Formula 1 drivers, amongst others, behind him to clinch Saturday's victory in the International Challenge of the Stars karting race. The retired 7-time World Champion crossed the line first as Felipe Massa, back in competitive racing, hosted the event for the fifth time.
With the event hosted by Massa dating back to 2005, this year's gathering was the first competitive motor race for the Ferrari driver since suffering his freak accident in Hungarian Grand Prix qualifying on 25 July.
Held at the brand-new Florianopolis venue in Brazil, Massa was pleased to have finished on the podium after progressing from the 11th grid slot. "It was a great return to racing," he said after the race. "I felt 100 percent and I'm ready for the next one. I wish I could've won the race but it was a victory to come from the back and finish where I finished."
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Although German Schumacher may have taken a victory for the second time in the event's history - leaving the crowd pondering what might have been, had he not retired from F1 at the end of 2006 - Michael did not dominate proceedings; running third, the Kerpen man was promoted to first in the half-hour race just a handful of laps before the chequered flag as leaders Vitantonio Liuzzi - 2001 karting World Champion - and IndyCar's Vitor Meira came together.
Ex Renault pilot Nelson Piquet Jr, who started from pole and led for much of the race, eventually fell to ninth after a spot of panel-bashing. The overall winner of the 2009 event will be determined on Sunday, with a second race taking place.
Challenge of the Stars 2009, Saturday Race - Top 10:
1. Michael SCHUMACHER
2. Vitantonio LIUZZI
3. Felipe MASSA
4. Lucas DI GRASSI
5. Vitor MEIRA
6. Rubens BARRICHELLO
7. Tony KANAAN
8. Antonio PIZZONIA
9. Nelsinho PIQUET
10. Duda PAMPLONA
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Valencia |
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| 02 Feb. |
Valencia |
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| 03 Feb. |
Valencia |
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| 04 Feb. | 
Silverstone |
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| 05 Feb. |
Silverstone |
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| 10 Feb. |
Jerez |
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Jerez |
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Jerez |
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| 13 Feb. |
Jerez |
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