Finnish hotshot Valterri Bottas was quick off the mark yesterday - but in something completely different from racing.
Bottas and several drivers and riders competing in this weekend's Macau Grand Prix tried their hand at Chinese Calligraphy as they took time off from the serious business of racing.
Bottas' big, bold strokes impressed many, but his speed impressed more as he completed his task in double quick time to become the fastest Chinese calligrapher at Fisherman's Wharf. With a single brush of the pen, he completed his task in a matter of seconds.
'Hopefully, my speed in Chinese calligraphy will translate to speed on the track and I will be the quickest driver on Sunday,' joked the 23-year-old, who is currently test driver for Williams in F1.
'I have never done anything like this before [Chinese calligraphy]. I really just wanted to get it over with. It's really hard. I really can't write these characters. But it was fun anyway,' said the Finn, who is one of the favourites for Sunday's blue-riband event. 'It's nice to come here to relax. I am really looking forward to some racing. I can't wait to get on to the track for tomorrow's practice,' Bottas added.
The Chinese calligraphy session was part of yesterday's Macau Grand Prix Challenge, an annual fun event that brings together riders and drivers from four of the major races this weekend.
