Formula 1 at the Olympics

I watched the opening ceremonies yesterday for the 2006 Turino Olympics. As is often the case, the ceremonies showcased the culture of the host nation; in this case, Italy.

Most of the display was very artistic, and I was beginning to worry that they would never get down to business and show off the finest thing to ever come out of Italy: the Ferrari.

Fortunately, the Italians did not disappoint. Part way through the ceremony, a beautifully painted Ferrari Formula 1 car made an appearance and displayed its awesome performance. Only in Italy can performance motoring be logically displayed alongside fine arts; the Ferarri looked right at home in the Olympic stadium.

watch the video

For those of you who have never seen and heard a real Formula 1 car revving its engine as it does in the video, I want you to appreciate that the sound being emitted by the car is absolutely deafening. Formula 1 cars are extremely loud, and even at idle, that sole car would be shaking the bones of every person in that stadium. Awesome. Don't thank me. Thank Ferrari.