Formula 1 test driver Jules Bianchi won the “Desafio das Estrelas,” the international karting event organized by Felipe Massa in his hometown of Santa Catarina State, Brazil.

The annual event featured a host of top drivers including Felipe himself and Fernando Alonso.

“I am very happy with this victory,” said Bianchi. “I had already won last year, but that time there was a slight mistake with the weight of the kart, but this time everything went well.

It’s nice to race against some of the best drivers and in front of such a big and enthusiastic crowd. I want to thank the Massa family for everything and I hope I can come back next year to take part again.”

Jules’s name can be added to a top class roll of honor, featuring such names as Felipe Massa, Rubens Barrichello and Michael Schumacher.

The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers were out of luck on their 2013 competition debut. Felipe finished eighth overall on 14 points, after finishing 10th and eighth in the two rounds.

“This was probably the hardest Desafio ever for me,” said the Massa. “If everything is not perfect, then even a 10th can make a big difference.

My engine was not at its best yesterday and I paid for that today. The most important thing is that the event is getting bigger year after year.

I was very pleased that Fernando was here with us and I’m sure he had fun!”

The Brazilian was absolutely right about his teammate having fun, as Fernando himself confirmed, even though he failed to score points, with a 21st and an 18th place to his name, because of accelerator problems which saw him retire from race 1.

“It was a very enjoyable weekend and I hope the spectators had as much fun as I did. Will I be back next year? If Felipe asks me, definitely!”