Marcio Braga has trouble getting into the car. Diego Hypolito also tested the car.

Marcio Iannacca\ GLOBOESPORTE.COM\

Marcio Braga in the Flamengo car, in Gávea

The launch party for Flamengo's Formula Superliga car was worthy of a major motorsports event. Beautiful women, fans, men in suits, and event organizers were all present in Gávea this Saturday to show off the car that will represent the club in the new category, which will be contested in 2008 on major European circuits.

President Marcio Braga, two representatives from the Superliga Formula, and radio host Washington Rodrigues sat at the panel during the presentation. The journalist spoke about what it means to be a Flamengo fan, and the Flamengo executive added his thoughts. The sport will feature the world's top clubs and two Brazilian clubs: Rubro-Negro and Corinthians, which is about to enter the competition.

Immediately after the presentation, fans and journalists went to Flamengo's trophy room to get a first-hand look at the car. Players, including Kléberson and Toró, coach Joel Santana, and athletes from the Flamengo Olympic sports team, such as gymnast Diego Hypolito, the only one to compete in the Formula Superliga car, were already there. President Marcio Braga tried hard, but ended up getting trapped in the car's seatbelt.

"This car is for young people. It's a beautiful car, but not for a 70-year-old. It will be another great thrill for Flamengo. The millions of fans across Brazil will cheer for the club in motorsports," says the Flamengo executive.

According to the event organizers, all Formula Superliga cars will be identical. The difference between the clubs will be in driver selection. The car will have V12 engines supplied by Menard, producing 700 horsepower and capable of reaching speeds of over 320 km/h.

"All cars will be the same. Progress is controlled by competition rules," explains Gustavo Wolf, Formula Superliga representative for Brazilian clubs.

The Flamengo driver hasn't been chosen yet, but Gualter Salles is likely to be the strongest candidate. The professional was in Gávea this Saturday and participated in the presentation. He wouldn't confirm the deal, but says it's a possibility.

"Everyone knows I'm from Flamengo. It's a very good car, similar to the one I drove in Formula Indy. The car looks really nice, and who knows, I might be the chosen driver. Tests will be held, and there's still time to choose," says Gualter Salles.

Joel approves Fla's car

Technician attends the party, praises the car, but prefers not to feel the sensation of driving it

Joel Santana and the rest of the team pose next to Flamengo's car in Gávea

Coach Joel Santana was one of the Flamengo professionals who attended the launch of the red-and-black team's Formula Superliga car. The coach, in a good mood, approved of the vehicle, but didn't have the courage to experience the sensation of driving a racing car.

"It's a different kind of emotion to see a car like this. It looks really good. Flamengo is like that in some ways, and that motivates. This car will win over the fans. I've always been curious to see a car up close. I think the driver deserves great credit for driving the car and achieving victories," says the coach.

Unlike gymnast Diego Hypolito, who accepted the challenge of sitting in the Formula Superliga car, Joel Santana wasn't as curious. All it took for the coach was a quick look from a distance.

"I drive slowly, I'm a brake pedal. I don't want to experience that," the coach jokes, before quickly naming a player who would be a good fit as the driver for the red-and-black team.

"Ibson has the skills to drive this car. He's doing very well and has been a great addition to the team," says Joel Santana, who saw the car dubbed the "Urubumóvel" by some Flamengo fans.

Pilot may not be red-black

Formula Superleague organizer says fans prefer winning professionals

Marcio Iannacca

The driver who will drive Flamengo's car in the Formula Superliga, a new category in global motorsports, won't necessarily be a Flamengo fan. One of the competition's organizers, Alex Landreu, confirms this. The club's executives are hoping to select a Flamengo fan, but nothing is certain.

Names like Gualter Salles and Popó Bueno, both Flamengo fans, have already been considered. However, according to Flamengo's marketing department, the driver will only be chosen after a series of tests in Europe.

For Alex Landreu, club fans want to know how to win.

"The driver's nationality doesn't matter. Ideally, he should be a winner and always in front. He could be Brazilian or not," says Landreu.