Italian astronaut and engineer Paolo Nespoli, who is currently on board the International Space Station (ISS), took time out of his busy schedule to make a video call to another busy Italian, Ferrari Chairman, Luca di Montezemolo.
In a show of galactic back-patting, Montezemolo thanked the astronaut for his "contribution in holding the high name of Italy" and "for wearing a red jersey and the Italian flag." He went on to enquire after the astronaut's physical conditions, daily routine and tasks for those on board, before inviting Nespoli and the rest of the crew to Ferrari's home, in Maranello.
Nespoli, who has a prancing horse on proud display in the ISS, thanked Montezemolo saying: "Thank you Chairman, because your name and your work represent Italy and contribute to giving a voice and visibility to Italian excellence, to those who work with efficiency and willpower."
It is excellence and efficiency that Ferrari, the most successful team in Formula 1, is in desperate need of. The team is currently in a distant third in the championship behind main rivals Red Bull and McLaren-Mercedes.
Ferrari will hope to recapture some of their past success at the Monaco Grand Prix, on Sunday, May 29.