RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (Feb. 24, 2014) — Pirelli Tyre S.p.A. is supporting the restoration of the iconic Christ the Redeemer statue overlooking Rio de Janiero after it was damaged by lightning strikes in January.
Pirelli said it is financing the project as part of a year-long celebration of its 85th year of doing business in Brazil. A number of lightning strikes caused some damage, in particular to a finger on the right hand, Pirelli said.
Lightning strikes caused damage to the Christ the Redeemer statue, in particular to a finger on its right hand.
The official launch of the restoration work, which is expected to last three to four months, was given by the Archbishop of Rio, don Orani Tempesta, who blessed the work at the end of a brief ceremony at the foot of the monument, Pirelli said.
"… Restoring Christ the Redeemer is the best thing we can do to thank this country and celebrate this anniversary," said Paolo Dal Pino, president of Pirelli South America.
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