Juan Carlos Ferrero, David Nalbandian and rising French talent Gael Monfils were on the receiving end of two 600+ HP Mercedes-Benz vehicles. One was the SLR, the other more familiar as tractive power for deliveries of goods worldwide - the 612 HP Mercedes-Benz Actros Black Edition Truck.

With similar power and torque figures, the truck and super-sports car can provide devastating performance in their fields, but it's the SLR that has the most effect on the players. The hands of France's budding champion, Gael Monfils (19), were damp with perspiration. The up-and-coming teenager felt just like being "in a spaceship".

Local hero Ferrero (25), the former No. 1 in the world's rankings, and 23-year-old David Nalbandian (Argentina) made use of the opportunity to go round the race track at top speed, although at the Masters Series event in Madrid the pair of them are rivals for one of the last remaining places for the Masters Cup in Shanghai in November. At the moment, Ferrero is No. 11, followed directly by Nalbandian as No. 12. "I had great fun with the cars, they really are technical wonders," said a thrilled Ferrero. Nalbandian enthused about the impressive elegant and dynamic truck. "I would love to be on it for a whole day."

Words: Classic Driver
Photos: DaimlerChrysler - All Strictly Copyright