Piquet Jr., Fittipaldi to pair in Granja Viana 500 Mile

Former Renault F1 driver Nelson Piquet Jr. and ex-IndyCar star Christian Fittipaldi will join forces in this year’s edition of the traditional Granja Viana 500 Mile karting race. The duo decided to challenge Rubens Barrichello’s hot favorite team on November 27th at Granja Viana International Karting track after regular Fittipaldi team mate Mario Haberfeld have announced that will miss the event due to personal commitments. "I’m glad we have reached a deal. So far we have always raced against each other, never as partners", said Fittipaldi, who is currently racing in the national series Stock Car and Trofeo Linea.

Christian is one of the most successful drivers in the history of the endurance race, having grabbed the title in 1998 and 2000 along with Barrichello and his long time pal Tony Kanaan and for the third time in 2003 teaming up with Haberfeld and Charles Fonseca. Piquet Jr. is still chasing his first title in the event, which initial edition in 1997 was won by Felipe Massa-led squad. The Ferrari ace, the reigning champion in Granja Viana, will not compete this year due to a clash of dates with his Maranello team’s duties.

A maximum of 60 karts will be allowed to line up. Once again Barrichello and his fellows seem to be the team to be beaten. The Williams driver, always joined by Kanaan, is the record holder in Granja Viana, having won eight in 13 attempts. Another team that deserves attention reunites Indy Car hot-shoe Vitor Meira and his team-manager at A.J. Foyt organization, Larry Foyt.