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Model waves checkered flag too soon at F1's Canadian Grand Prix

MONTREAL — Formula One said on Sunday it will review its procedures after the Canadian Grand Prix ended in confusion and embarrassment when a celebrity waved the checkered flag a lap too soon. The gaffe did not affect the outcome of the race, which was won by Ferrari's Sebastian Vettel, but the German said he was left double-checking his lap counter while checking in with his pit before carrying on to run the full 70 laps. "Fortunately we had radio, fortunately I had the lap count in the car, and the pitboard was accurate — but if you lose radio and maybe the pitboard is not there, then you back off," said Vettel after notching his 50th career win. "I was just worried, I told them also on the last lap, then people don't jump on the track, waving flags and celebrating, because we're still going at full pace." The official results were later determined based on the 68th lap to avoid any impact the early flag might have had. Formula One race director Charlie Whiting said the error was caused by simple miscommunication between the official starter and crew in the starter's tower, which resulted in model Winnie Harlow — a friend of Mercedes world champion Lewis Hamilton — waving the flag prematurely. "It was a miscommunication between the start platform and the guy they call the starter here," explained Whiting. "He thought it was the last lap and asked them at the top to confirm it, they confirmed it. "They thought he was making a statement when in fact he was asking a question. "He told the flag waver to wave it a lap early. It was as simple as that, it wasn't anything to do with the fact it was a celebrity flag waver. "The celebrity was not to blame." Celebrities are often given the honor of waving the checkered flag at motor races, which has occasionally resulted in unintended flubs. Brazilian soccer great Pele famously reacted too late when Ferrari's Michael Schumacher won at Sao Paulo's Interlagos circuit in 2002, brandishing the flag instead as the later finishers appeared. While the incident on Sunday produced shrugs and even a few chuckles, there were also very real safety concerns, as course workers often come out of their safety areas to stand alongside the track waving flags. "We need to review procedures and make sure we have a very simple procedure for every circuit," added Whiting. "We're dealing with different human beings, different countries, different languages and it's not always absolutely perfect.

Ferrari stock sale pegged for October, or later

The Ferrari IPO is still coming, but it won't be before Columbus Day (Monday, October 12, that is), according to Fiat Chrysler Automobiles CEO Sergio Marchionne. The outspoken exec is blaming tax reasons for the fourth-quarter date, according to a report from Reuters. Marchionne said a full year needed to pass between FCA's October 13, 2014 Wall Street debut and any additional listing. This isn't the first delay in the Ferrari IPO. FCA was originally supposed to make a 10-percent offering of Ferrari during second or third quarter of 2015, before officially pushing things back to the third quarter of this year. Now, it's unclear if Ferrari will even go public before the dawn of 2016. Related Video: News Source: ReutersImage Credit: Marco Vasini / AP Earnings/Financials Government/Legal Chrysler Ferrari Fiat Sergio Marchionne FCA fiat chrysler automobiles

The first $2.5M Ferrari F60 America arrives in Palm Beach

There's a rather happy-looking individual in Palm Beach today. And well he should be. After all, he just took delivery of the very first Ferrari F60 America. Can't remember the F60 America? We can hardly blame you, seeing as how it has been well over a year since Ferrari first unveiled it in Beverly Hills back in October 2014. It's not the successor to the F40 and F50 as the name might suggest – that role having already been taken by the Enzo and LaFerrari – but rather a special take on the F12 Berlinetta. It features a unique roadster bodystyle, an evocative (if not downright retro) blue and white NART livery, and the 6.3-liter V12 in 730-horsepower spec that would later appear in the F12 TdF. It's a worthy successor, in short, to previous front-engined V12 roadsters from Maranello, like the 550 Barchetta, 575 Superamerica, and 599 SA Aperta. The Prancing Horse marque set out to build only ten examples, each destined for these shores, in celebration of Ferrari's 60 years in the US market. Despite the shocking $2.5 million sticker price, all of them were spoken for before it was even unveiled. The first was finally delivered on Monday to its eagerly awaiting owner during the 25th annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic, in front of some of the country's top Ferrari collectors and aficionados. The first F60 America consigned Palm Beach, 25th January – The first F60 America was delivered this weekend to the delight of a discerning crowd of Ferrari collectors and enthusiasts during the 25th annual Palm Beach Cavallino Classic. This strictly limited-edition car, which was produced to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of Ferrari in America, is the first of just ten to be delivered nationwide. The car pays homage to American clients' great passion for both the V12 engine and open-top driving. The F60 America's bodywork adopts the classic North American Racing Team livery, and the special Ferrari 60th Anniversary Prancing Horse badge on the wheelarches appears on the tunnel in the cockpit. This beautiful example in Blu Nart livery – Bianco Italia looked instantly at home under the azure Florida sky. Featured Gallery Ferrari F60 America: First Delivery News Source: Ferrari Ferrari Car Buying Convertible Supercars ferrari f60 america