The Ferrari Challenge sets the stage for the 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada
Posted: 09.06.2013
Source: Ferrari
Montreal, 9 June – A glorious Ferrari weekend culminated today with the second Ferrari Challenge race taking place just hours before the official start of the 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada.
In the same Gilles Villeneuve Circuit where in 2004 Rubens Barrichello and his Ferrari recorded the fastest lap of the track to date, the Coppa Shell and Trofeo Pirelli drivers prepared the ground for an exciting racing Sunday.
The weather warmed up and the 458 Ferrari Challenge drivers were welcomed on the starting grid by a bright sun, many Ferrari red flags in the stands and an excited crowd ready for the racing action to begin.
In the Trofeo Pirelli class, #23 Onofrio Triarsi (Ferrari of Central Florida) -despite starting in pole position- was third after the first turn behind the Ferraris of #8 Mike Zoi (Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale) and #31 Damon Ockey. Triarsi was then able to re-take the lead after a few laps and pulled away toward his second victory of the weekend. Zoi repeated the same result of Saturday and notwithstanding an error at turn one in the first part of the race was able to beat # 21 Michael Schein who finished third.
In the Coppa Shell class, the favourite and fastest driver in qualifying # 100 Henrik Hedman (Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale) was forced to retire after a couple of laps due to a collision with #777 Emmanuel Anassis (Ferrari of Quebec), who was also forced to end the race prematurely. #13 Marc Muzzo (Ferrari of Ontario) took the lead after this incident and never looked back, winning in a convincing fashion. #28 Jon Becker (Ferrari of Beverly Hills) and #14 Brent Lawrence (Ferrari of San Diego) fiercely battled the entire race for the second step of the podium but it was the latter who was able on the very last lap to overtake his colleague to finish second.
The fifth round of the North American series of the Ferrari Challenge will take place at the Lime Rock Park in Connecticut over the weekend of July 19-20.
The stars come out in Montreal
Posted: 09.06.2013
Source: Ferrari
Montreal, June 9, 2013 – An exclusive Ferrari reception was held at Montreal’s St. James Hotel during the Canadian Grand Prix. The eagerly-anticipated evening was a spectacular night as Le St. James rolled out the red carpet for guests and stars such as Hugh Grant, the director of X Men, Brian Singer, as well cast and crew; Olympic Gold Medallists Alexandre Despatie and Alexandre Bilodeau; Mitsou Gelinas; Marie Saint-Pierre, and Fabienne Larouche.
Traditionally viewed as ‘the best party in town’ during the whirlwind of Grand Prix events, the invitation-only St. James’ eve was an essay in elegance. Fashionistas in the fresh finery of the season, titans of industry, and politicians joined Miss America Mallory Hagan and others at the reception.
Marco Mattiacci, President and CEO Ferrari North America welcomed the glamorous guests, including Italian Consul General Enrico Padula, and Consul Antonio Poletti, as well as Quebec Minister of Tourism, Pascal Bérubé, and Ferrari team members.
“Montreal is one of the best Grand Prix cities in the world,” added Mr. Mattiacci. “We love the city’s flair and style.”
On display for Ferrari fans were the Ferrari FF, F12 Berlinetta and the Formula One F150.
Ferrari Challenge puts on a show to the delight of Formula 1 and Ferrari fans alike
Posted: 08.06.2013
Source: Ferrari
Montreal, 8 June – The fourth race of the 2013 North American Ferrari Challenge kicked-off the weekend at Montreal’s Gilles Villeneuve Circuit during the Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada. Ferrari owners, families and fans have gathered for a truly unique weekend of racing.
Despite the initial chilly and rainy weather, the thirty Ferrari Challenge drivers, fueled by the glamorous and exciting Formula 1 backdrop, did not disappoint the thousands of fans and put on a true racing show.
In typical Montreal fashion, today’s race started under the rain and finished with spots of sun fighting through the clouds. The conditions of the track were therefore quite challenging as the grip and the asphalt were constantly changing throughout the race.
In the first leg of the two classes, there was some hard racing all the way to the flag. #23 Onofrio Triasi (Ferrari of Central Florida) started in pole position, defended his position from the attack of #21 Michael Schein (Ferrari of Central Florida) and finished first despite a last-minute attempt to overtake him by #8 Mike Zoi (Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale), who finished second. The Trofeo Pirelli podium was completed by #777 Emmanuel Anassis (Ferrari of Quebec), who took advantage of an early accident which forced #85John Farano (The Auto Gallery), #24Carlos Kaufmann (The Auto Gallery) and #26 Carlos Gomez (The Auto Gallery) to retire.
Of the Coppa Shell drivers, the victory went to #100 Henrik Hedman (Ferrari of Fort Lauderdale) who led from the start all the way to the finish line. #32 Ugo Colombo (The Collection) managed to arrive second and grabbed his first podium of the year while #13 Marc Muzzo (Ferrari of Ontario) was able to keep behind the valiant undertaking attempts by #42 Kirk Brown (Ferrari of Long Island) and #28 Jon Becker (Ferrari of Beverly Hills) and finished third.
The second and final race of the Ferrari Challenge weekend will take place tomorrow morning at 11:15am and will precede the official 2013 Formula 1 Grand Prix du Canada which will start at 2pm.
Ferrari Challenge Returns to Montreal Alongside Formula 1
Posted: 05.06.2013
Source: Ferrari
The 2013 North American Ferrari Challenge Series continues with the fourth race of the season at Montreal’s Gilles Villeneuve Circuit from June 7 – 9, taking place alongside the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix. Both Ferraristi and the citizens of Montreal embrace this race weekend with various fêtes and festivities throughout the town. The Circuit-Gilles-Villeneuve is a long standing favorite for Ferrari Challenge drivers, thanks to the enthusiastic crowds that this event is known for. A diverse field of 35 drivers representing the US, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and the UK will carry on the Challenge series on yet another iconic North American track.On Saturday, June 8th, Ferrari North America will host an invitation-only cocktail at Hôtel Le Saint-James in downtown Montreal to celebrate this very special racing weekend together with its clients and drivers.
The Ferrari Challenge kicked-off its 20th anniversary season with a support race at the famed Rolex 24-Hours Race in Daytona, then travelled to the legendary Interlagos circuit in Brazil and from there moved on to the Sonoma Raceway in the heart of California wine country. After Montreal, the next race will be in Lime Rock Park, Connecticut on July 19-20, 2013.