SKF Wins 2003 Podio Ferrari Innovation Award

SKF AB (Sweden) has become the third company to win the prestigious Ferrari Innovation Award from Gruppo Ferrari Maserati (Italy). Begun in 2001, the Podio Ferrari awards recognize only three companies each year. The awards are the Presidents Award, Ferrari Technology Award, and Ferrari Innovation Award. These awards are prestigious not only because they come from Ferrari, but also because they are presented personally by the highest-level executives and racing program players, all of whom are widely recognized celebrities. Over 500 people from Ferrari and partner companies attended the awards ceremony. SKF Automotive Vice President, Riccardo Dell'Anna was on hand to accept SKF's award. This year, the awards were presented by: Lucia di Montezemolo, Chairman and CEO of Ferrari SpA since 1991; Ross Brawn, Ferrari Technical Director of the Scuderia; Michael Schumacher, Ferrari's top Formula 1 driver and the world's highest-paid athlete; Rubens Barrichello, Ferrari's number two Formula 1 driver; and Paolo Martinelli, Engine Technical Director. The ceremonies took place at Ferrari's Formula 1 Logistics Center at the company's private Fiorano test track near Maranello. SKF was presented the Ferrari Innovation Award for, "... its continuous ability to innovate, supplying bearings of the highest possible standard for the Formula 1 single-seater as well as the Ferrari and Maserati Grandturismo road cars." SKF's relationship with Ferrari dates back to 1947. SKF joins elite company; previous winners of the Innovation Award were Brembo in 2001 and BBS in 2002. The 2003 Presidents Award went to Lear Corporation (USA), and the Ferrari Technology Award went to Reiter (Switzerland). The winners and attendees were treated to a simulated Formula 1 race weekend at Fiorano. Schumacher and Barrichello, along with Scuderia Ferrari test drivers Luca Badoer and Felipe Massa, did qualifying laps and a short race. For the F1 watchers, it was a rare opportunity to see four F1 Ferraris on the track at one time. Ceremonies also included a tour of Maserati's new manufacturing plant.