Avanti "Schu"! Piaggio Flies,
On, and Off the Track Too

Reigning Formula 1 World Champion Michael Schumacher is endorsing Piaggio Aero Industries and its premier product, the P.180 Avanti.

Starting with the Austrian Grand Prix at the Spielberg circuit, "Schu" has been wearing the Italian aircraft manufacturer's logo on his helmet visor.

Apart from each producing fine examples of Italian style and craftsmanship, there is a stronger connection between the two companies. Piaggio Aero Industries was established in 1998 when a group of nine shareholders led by the Ferrari and Di Mase families took over the Rinaldo Piaggio SpA company. Piero Ferrari, son of the eponymous racing driver and car company founder, is Piaggio's chairman.

Last year Piaggio supplied two Avantis to Ferrari SpA, one of which is on display at Le Bourget. Disappointingly for tifosi it is not finished in the famous Ferrari red, but it does wear the marque's prancing horse badge, itself a memento of the Italian World War I fighter ace Francesco Baracca.