Karting: Michael Schumacher to defend go-kart crown in Brazil

Source: MF2 Brazil

Seven-time Formula 1 champion Michael Schumacher will defend his title at the International Challenge of Go-Kart Champs in Florianópolis (Brazil). According to his Ferrari mate Felipe Massa, who helps to attract top class drivers to the event, Schumacher will lead a strong field of 26 or 27 names on November 30th at the Ingleses Kart Track.

Felipe Massa and Michael Schumacher before the start of last year's event.

"To be honest, I didn't even have to invite him to come back. He told me recently in Hockenheim that he wished to race again because loved the town and the relaxed atmosphere he found here", Felipe Massa said on Thursday during a press conference held in Florianópolis.

The German will be once again the main guest, but not the only one. Massa has already talked with Robert Kubica, Sebastien Vettel and Sébastien Bourdais and expects that his Formula 1 mates can join the party.

"It was almost everything set to Kubica attend the race in 2007, but a last minute commitment prevented him from coming. He watched the International Challenge on TV and knows what the race is about. Now I'm confident that he will be able to take part for the first time", added Massa, who won the "double header" competition in 2006.

Besides the Formula 1 representatives, at least one NASCAR series ace is expected to accept Massa's call. Four-time champion Jeff Gordon has been approached and should answer in the near future. "I met him at Indianapolis GP some years ago and then we raced together at the Champions Race in Paris. He seemed to be a nice guy and said that always wanted to visit my country. That is his chance and I think he will not miss it."

Twenty-four drivers attended the event in 2007. Due to the growing interest in the race among his fellows, Massa reckons that the grid will have to accommodate maybe two or three more karts. Rubens Barrichello, Nelson Piquet Jr., Tony Kanaan, Lucas di Grassi and local stock cars front-runners are also likely possibilities.