Formula 1 legend attends charity event at Lympstone Manor
By Sam Sterrett
Yesterday (23rd October 2018), Lympstone Manor hosted a charity dinner in aid of Mesothelioma.
Supporting the event was former Formula One driver Felipe Massa and Williams Martini Racing’s Head of Performance Engineering, Rob Smedley.
Guests of the event a enjoyed a photo with Felipe and Rob on arrival, a five-course menu from Michelin starred Michael Caines with paired wines, and a chance to bid for Formula One memorabilia and other fantastic prizes, all for a good cause.
Guests heard from Rob and Felipe on their close bond, the great work that Mesothelioma UK does, and all things Formula One.
Working closely together from 2006 to 2017, first at Scuderia Ferrari where Rob was Felipe’s Race Engineer, and later at Williams Martini Racing, they have experienced career highs and lows together.
Becoming great friends as well as colleagues, Rob and Felipe have helped each other through personal loss including Rob’s father dying of mesothelioma last year. Affecting 2,700 people in the UK each year, mesothelioma is a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos and is little researched compared to other cancers.
To help create awareness of mesothelioma, which has no known cure, the 11-time Grand Prix winner and leading engineer joined forces to host a charity event at Lympstone Manor which raised money for Mesothelioma UK. Felipe’s FW37 Formula One car was on display during the evening, which he drove for Williams Martini Racing in the 2015 season, achieving two podium positions.
Micheal Caines on the grid in Amercia
In addition to providing the venue for the event, Lympstone Manor has pledged £2,000 as well as donating 50p per cover for the entirety of October, which will be donated to The Rob Smedley Charity.
Meanwhile, it was Felippa Massa's very first time visiting Devon. Being surrounded by majestic scenery at Lymsptoen Manor, the 11 time Grand Prix winner was really impressed.
"It's my first time in Devon. It's beautiful and a great pleasure to be here."
"I have a very good relationship with Michael Caines, he is the chef for the William Racing team. He makes all the great food, including mine. It's a great pleasure to be here in his amazing restaurant. He is definitely one of the best chefs and he's a big friend, which is the most important thing."
Listen to our short interview with the trio below. First speaking is Michael Caines followed by Felipe Massa and Rob Smedey.
