F1 Racing Stars Enjoy Poker

Racing stars go head to head at the poker table.

The stars of Formula One have started to compete with each other at the poker table as well as the racetrack, according to motorsport expert James Allen.

Writing on his Grand Prix Diary blog, the former ITV racing commentator reveals that several Formula One drivers recently took part in a televised poker tournament in Italy.

Nico Rosberg emerged victorious in that event, but Giancarlo Fisichella has reportedly said that Robert Kubica is the toughest poker opponent to play against due to his formidable bluffing skills.

Allen claims that poker has "become a craze for F1 drivers in the last couple of seasons", with a regular game taking place between Fernando Alonso, Rubens Barrichello, Bernie Ecclestone and others.

The 2009 Formula One season gets underway in Australia next month, when world champion Lewis Hamilton will aim to start the defence of his title with victory at the Melbourne Grand Prix.