A poker fever sweeps through the World these days and it doesn’t spare Formula One either. The card game is very popular among drivers. First Giancarlo Fisichella and Rubens Barrichello played it in the paddock, then a lot of other drivers joined. Fernando Alonso and Robert Kubica are known as big fans of the game, for example. Last year in Hockenheim Fernando, Rubens, Adrian Sutil and Michael Schumacher, who was there as Ferrari’s advisor, were seen playing it together in Force India’s motorhome.
Then even a poker tournament, called Pit Stop Poker Club, was established for F1 drivers in the Casino of San Vincent. Robert Kubica, Nick Heidfeld, Giancarlo Fisichella and Nico Rosberg participated in the 2008 championship, or whatever it is called in poker. The 2008 poker king of the paddock, so the winner, was Nico.
The Pit Stop Poker Club was such a success that it took place this year as well. Drivers Michael Schumacher, Nico Rosberg, Giancarlo Fisichella, Jarno Trulli, Vitantonio Liuzzi and Eddie Irvine gathered in San Vincent again last night at 8 pm to play. The were joined by two fans who won the opportunity to play with the F1 stars at a competition.
Michael arrived in a helicopter wearing a white hat, a white shirt, black sunglasses and an iPod. He almost looked like a professional poker player, however it seems he is not as strong in cards as in cars, because he didn’t manage to make it to the final.
Nico took his girlfriend, Vivian Sibold with him. She doesn’t go to F1 races too often, but at least she could support her boyfriend here.
It were Nico, Giancarlo and Tonio who made it to the final. The whole party will be broadcast by SkySport 2 on the 22-24. May.
Pictures from the event:
Michael arriving
Vivian and Nico
Jarno ready for a fight
Eddie is back
At the table
Can Nico defend his title?
F1 lifestyle 