Antonio Fuoco welcomed by the Mayor and Council of Cariati at Palazzo Venneri, with two promises: the big party in August and a new sports structure
CARIATI – Mayor Cataldo Minò and the Council, yesterday morning, welcomed Ferrari driver Antonio Fuoco with full honors at Palazzo Venneri, three days after his victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most important and prestigious French race on the calendar Wec (Word Endurance Championship). An achievement that the 28-year-old from Cariate shared, driving the Ferrari 499P number 50, with the Dane Nicklas Nielsen and the Spaniard Miguel Molina, and an immense happiness that he also wanted to share with his beloved town, the fans of his Fans Club and the family that always supported him.
For the motor racing champion, the municipal administration organized a press conference, during which the young man briefly reviewed his career and the years of preparation before the coveted French goal. He confided to the newspaper the winning formula for his success. There is a need – he said – for a lot of tenacity, preparation and great team work. The victory at Le Mans therefore belongs to everyone: Ferrari, the team, the technicians, but above all Calabria. Antonio also had an affectionate thought for his father Gabriele, who passed away prematurely, who believed in his abilities from an early age.
ANTONIO FUOCO: «AN HONOR FOR ME TO REPRESENT CARIATI AND CALABRIA»
Then he began: «For me it is an honor to represent Cariati and Calabria in the world», inviting young people to hold on and overcome the difficult moments, aiming for the goal. His words revealed the very strong bond towards their country of origin , where his mother Elena, his brother Leonardo, and many friends and relatives live. He returns there as soon as he can, to recharge his energies. «A week before Le Mans – she confessed – I came to Cariati, I needed to unplug and recharge. When I crossed the finish line at Le Mans, my first thoughts went to my country, to my family and friends, to the sacrifices made to get there. The emotions I felt in that moment – she concluded – I cannot describe with words.”
The pilot, on the same afternoon yesterday, left for a new race in America, however with his mind already focused on the World Championships: «It won’t be easy – he admitted – we will try to give our best, as always». Mayor Minò, in complimenting the illustrious citizen, spoke of a people’s victory, the result of sacrifices that the family has faced over the years to support a passion born at just 4 years old in karting on the Nikà track in Crucoli (KR). In recalling that Cariati has always been a hotbed of talent, he regretfully underlined the current lack of sports facilities.
THE MAYOR’S PROMISE: «A NEW SPORTS STRUCTURE SOON»
«The time has come to give these football and motor racing talents, and those who will come – he declared – a sports structure that is up to par. Antonio intends to collaborate on this project and I will contact the supra-municipal bodies to provide Cariati with the structure he needs, which we will dedicate to the Fuoco family”. Finally, on Minò’s part, the announcement of a large popular celebration that will be organized in the month of August and the gift to Fuoco of the Municipality pennant, which he reciprocated with the red jersey worn at Le Mans.
