The relaxed dinner with the Wilson Security Racing duo was part of a competition run jointly between the Gold Coast Bulletin and Shuck Restaurant, won by Gold Coaster, Colin Taylor – who moved to Main Beach to be closer to the GC600 track.
It also gave D’Alberto and Liuzzi – who arrived straight from the Korean Grand Prix – the opportunity to get to know each other ahead of this week’s Armor All Gold Coast 600 – with D’Alberto keen to increase the Italian F1 star’s Australian vernacular!
“The dinner was great,” said D’Alberto. “To come to Shuck – one of the Gold Coast’s best restaurants and have a nice and relaxed dinner with Vitantonio was the perfect way to kick off our Armor All Gold Coast 600 week.
“He’s a very cool guy, he’s been to the Gold Coast before and enjoys his time in Australia. I think he’s going to do a great job for us this weekend.”
“Bloody oath mate!” Liuzzi responded – D’Alberto’s slang lessons clearly taking effect. “I can’t wait to get into the V8 Supercar this weekend, whilst it’s an off weekend for me in F1 terms, I take every time I get into the car very seriously.”
The Bulletin prize winner enjoyed the experience.
“It’s great to have this opportunity,” said Taylor. “During a race weekend for Vitantonio normally, he wouldn’t do something like this, so for the Bulletin and the Gold Coast 600 to offer such a prize is most appreciated.”
Prior to returning to the Marriott Hotel, Liuzzi was taken on a lap of the Armor All Gold Coast 600 track and was stunned at how tight it was in some places.
The pair enjoyed a number of Shuck’s signature dishes – including the world renowned Crab Lasagne – a special order for the duo – combining the best of local seafood with an Italian theme, along with Robert Oatley wines.
