Like millions around the world I watched the spectacular Olympic opening show. As Italy honoured its long and noble background in arts and music and architecture, I kept thinking that industrial design and motor racing and in particular, Ferrari, deserved a place in that history. Could it be included in a non-motorised sports festival?

Indeed! Beginning with a ballet-like portrayal of a pit stop, a small crew of mechanics fit wheels and other removeable parts to a Ferrari F1 car. Team test driver Luca Badoer fired up the engine, its incredibly high-revving sound equal to the highest notes of a Stradivarius violin. To my pleasure and astonishment Badoer then drove the car to a suitable space on the stage and spun through five smoking "donuts" meant to symbolise the Olympic rings.

A few traditionalists may have been upset but the old argument over whether race drivers are athletes was long-ago settled. Test after test has proven that top-rated motorsport competitors are among the world's fittest athletes. Thank you, Italy, for having the courage to honor your racing traditions on this world stage.