Prince Albert of Monaco sent a personal message of congratulations to
Grand Prix winner, Clivio Piccione.

The prince penned the letter to the Monaco national, praising his
triumph, after he scored his second Grand Prix victory last weekend.

According to motor racing website Formula2.net, the prince
wrote: "Congratulations on your brilliant GP2 victory at the
Nürburgring last weekend.

"You have flown the flag for the Principality at the highest level
and I hope we will continue to hear the Monaco national anthem played
regularly at race weekends. For you it signifies success, whilst for
us it creates a huge sense of national pride. You have all my support
and encouragement for the future."

The prince, who inherited the throne after the death of father,
Prince Rainier in May, is an avid motor racing fan and highlighted
his passion in an interview with Formula One driver, Mikka Hakkinen,
a few years ago, where he hinted he had considered a career on the
track.

He said at the time: "When you're a kid, you think about it, then
your parents say 'Maybe not!'

"I did some driver training at Le Castellet and Le Luc. That was fun.
The instructors were very good."