Fisico and Flavio team up for charity

Flavio Briatore and Giancarlo Fisichella teamed up on behalf of Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children last weekend in Silverstone. One of the genuine treats at Silverstone is Bernie Ecclestone’s patronage of the Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children. For one race a year, we have a paddock full of smiling, excited kids – all battling challenges far great than that of simply winning a Grand Prix, and yet still full of energy and enthusiasm for our sport.

Every team dedicates time to showing the kids round the paddock, taking them into the garage, explaining the cars… and of course, meeting their heroes!

This year, the world-renowned Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children once again preceded its race weekend visit with a glamorous charity auction in Central London to raise money for a new cardiac unit at the hospital.

Hosted by TV personalities Vernon Kay and Tess Daly, the auction reached a record total in excess of £100,000, including a high bid for a one-off oil painting of Giancarlo Fisichella by artist Jillian Bradley. The buyer? Fisi’s boss, one Mr F. Briatore.

Talking about Flavio’s purchase at Silverstone last weekend, Fisi came up with an idea – he would match the bid, and the picture would then be returned to Great Ormond Street to be auctioned once again.

Fisico, a patron of Great Ormond Street, was delighted to see an extra £50,000 added to the charity’s total. “Every parent is reassured to know that places like Great Ormond Street are out there for us if we need them,” explained the Italian. “They do fantastic work for thousands if children, and we are always happy to welcome them in Silverstone. We have made a good start to their fundraising campaign this weekend, and I hope people will continue to donate generously to this worthy cause.”