Ferrari presented its outgoing test driver Luca Badoer with two distinctive farewell presents during the team's Christmas festivities in Maranello on Saturday. Badoer received a Fiat 500 Tributo Ferrari, plus a sculpture created from parts of all the Ferraris he has driven during his 13 seasons as the squad's leading test driver. He has now bowed out of the role.
Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo said Badoer's contribution to Ferrari during his long behind-the-scenes sojourn could not be underestimated.
"Luca has been a key element in so much of our success, thanks to a job that is so vital, even if carried out far from the limelight, consisting of thousands of kilometers, suggestions and ideas," said Montezemolo. "I wish to thank him for what he has done and how he did it, because he deserves praise for carrying out this role with great discretion, as well as turning down race drives with other teams to stay as part of our family."