Italian motor officials will have a firm hold of the reins when golfing stallion Matteo Manassero receives the keys to his first motor tomorrow (SUN).
Matteo Manassero restricted to driving a basic mini for the next three years.
Manassero turned 18 years old on April 19th earlier this year and just two days after capturing the Maybank Malaysian Open to take his European Tour earnings to well over Euro 1m.
He’s also still living at home with his parents in Verona, doesn’t have a girlfriend and still has a full 12 months of high school study ahead of him next year.
German vehicle giant, BMW is presenting Manassero with a brand new Mini even though he still has not sat for his driving test.
“It’s in recognition of his support of BMW sponsored events in Europe,” said a BMW spokesman.
“He made his pro debut at last year’s BMW Italian Open in Turin and then his next event was the BMW PGA Championship followed by the BMW International Open in Munich, so the company’s been so pleased with his support they’ve decided to give him a new car.”
But under strict Italian laws, an 18-year old is not allowed to drive a car producing more than 55 kw/t (73 horse power) the first year and for the next two years, and up to age 21, they can’t get behind the wheel of a car with on output of more than 70 kw/t (90 hp).
“That’s why we’ve given him one of our Mini’s instead of something like an M3 that Martin Kaymer is driving,” added the spokesperson.
It means Manassero will be driving a basic Mini’s given the top-of-the range Mini Cooper S produces 172 hp.
Since turning pro in Turin last year Manassero has pulled off two Tour win’s and heads to his first U.S. Open in a private jet ranked an incredible 30th in the world.
And it’s odds of 33-1 that bookmakers have the young Italian with the dashing Seve Ballasteros manner ready to reign supreme at Congressional.
