Great success for the Ferrari Racing Days in Abu Dhabi
Posted: 09.03.2013
Source: Ferrari
100 Ferraris on the Yas Marina circuit
Gené’s show with the F60
Abu Dhabi-UAE: 9 March 2013 – 10 hours of action on the track for the third and final day of the first Ferrari Racing Days edition in the Middle East held at the Yas Marina circuit.
The most exciting moment came with the show by Marc Gené behind the wheel of a F60. The official Scuderia Ferrari test driver fascinated the spectators taking the same single-seater to the limit Kimi Raikkonen used on the same track at the debut Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi in 2009.
Yas Marina was also host to the first stage in the Asian-Pacific series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. In the two races held today – one in blistering sunlight, the other with artificial light, just like at the Formula 1 GP – Max Blancardi crossed the lines first. The veteran driver in the single-marque’s Championship of the Prancing Horse participates in a special class in the series, the International Cup, exclusively for international guest racers in the series. The first race in the Trofeo Pirelli Philippe Prette (Hongkong) was the fastest, while Pasin Lathouras (Thailand) won race two. Eric Cheung (China) and Tani Hanna (Lebanon) won the races in the Coppa Shell. Especially significant was Hanna’s win, after he had to retire in race 1 due to an accident on the first lap. The mechanics from Maranello did some great work over three hours to repair the 458 Challenge’s front, allowing the driver from the Middle East to gain his success in the Ferrari series.
The Ferrari Racing Days were an occasion to see 100 Ferraris parading on the track next to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first theme park in the world dedicated to the Prancing Horse. The cars from the USE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and even from France went for two laps on the track, underlining the growing success of Ferrari in this region. Over 2,000 spectators came to the paddock and the grandstands during the three-day event: “A nice success for the spectators and for our clients, which confirms the good choice to bring the Ferrari Racing Days here to Abu Dhabi,” said Ferrari MEA director Giulio Zauner. “From here we have to start and build a future for similar events for an incredibly alive market.”
The Racing Days’ second event in 2013 will be held from 12 to 14 April on the Interlagos circuit in Sao Paulo (Brazil). Together with the North American Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli and the XX programmes (FXX and 599XX) as well as the F1 Clienti, spectators will be able to enjoy a Formula 1 show with their local hero Felipe Massa.
Sundown in Ferrari Red in Abu Dhabi
Gené back on the track with the F60 on the Yas Marina circuit
Posted: 09.03.2013
Source: Ferrari
Yas Marina, 9 March 2013 – Driving on a Formula 1 circuit behind the wheel of a Ferrari single-seater is always extremely exciting, even for someone, who has done thousands of kilometres as a racing and test driver, someone like Marc Gené. The official Scuderia Ferrari test driver came out onto the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi at sundown during the Ferrari Racing Days in the Middle East behind the wheel of the F60 (chassis no. 279), which Kimi Raikkonen used on this track at the first ever held Abu Dhabi GP.
For Marc it was his debut in an F1 car on this track: “It’s an interesting track, especially the first sector with the fast corners. Then there’s a very long straight, where you completely open the throttle, even on occasions like the one today. The final part is very slow, but the most impressive thing is the sound you hear in the cockpit passing the hotel, which sits close to the circuit.”
Hundreds of spectators were present on the grandstand and at the paddock, which shows the growing interest for motorsport in this country: “True, I noticed the same, when I spoke to the people I met these days,” said the Spamish driver. “Events like this help us to spread the popularity of our sport and motorsport in general in areas, where there isn’t such a big tradition.”
Abu Dhabi was a stop-over on the way to Melbourne, where Marc Gené will return to his work as a Formula 1 commentator for Sky Italia: “We’re arriving in Melbourne with the knowledge that we’ve done some very good work during the winter break,” Marc told www.ferrari.com. “I think that a place on the podium can really be possible for us, although we know very well that it’s impossible to close the gap, which separated us from Red Bull in Brazil, in just a few weeks. And then there are also other strong teams such as McLaren, Mercedes and Lotus. I’ve seen Felipe and Fernando very motivated and ready for this season’s opening race: the objective is winning both World Titles and there’s no doubt about this.”
FRD – Abu Dhabi – 1st Day
Posted: 07.03.2013
Source: Ferrari
The Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi played host to day 1 of the debut of the Ferrari Racing Days in the Middle East. The first day witnessed a number of guests watching on eagerly as the various programs put their machines through their paces in the build-up to the main event on Saturday 9th March. There were 31 – 458 Challenge cars that were tested through the day on the competitive Yas Marina Formula 1 circuit. In addition, the world famous FXX and 599XX thundered around the track driven by their respective owners as they too were tested in the build-up to the main event. Through the day media from around the world converged on the circuit, where they were treated to a number of activities that included test drives of marquee Ferrari vehicles; the California, FF, 458 Italia and F12 Berlinetta. As excitement and enthusiasm builds up to the main event on Saturday, the Ferrari Racing Days are sure to enthrall one and all.
‘Ferrari Racing Days’ Makes Middle East Debut
Posted: 19.02.2013
Source: Ferrari
Yas Marina Circuit Abu Dhabi to Host Three-day Event
Saturday Open For Public
Abu Dhabi-UAE: February 19, 2013 – Ferrari today announced the Middle East debut of ‘Ferrari Racing Days’, promising thrilling track action for owners of the non-competitive Formula one single seater and XX cars, and a F1 Exhibition open on Saturday for the public.
To be held from March 7-9 2013, the wheel-to-wheel extravaganza that will witness a total of 17 cars navigating the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi is organised by the Ferrari Corse Clienti (Customer Racing) department.
Exclusively designed for F1 Clienti, the event will provide enthusiasts from the region with the first-ever chance to view in action the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Asia Pacific series.
Featuring the 458 – the mid-rear V8 Berlinetta derived from the 458 Italia and the fifth model used by Ferrari in its one-make racing series, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, now in its 20th year, is highly popular as it brings to the race track novices as well as experienced competitive drivers.
The amateurs have Coppa Shell with a separate classification and final title, while the experts race in the Trofeo Pirelli for the coveted trophy. This balance in the races avoids a one-sided contest and allows expert competitors as well as gentleman drivers to participate on equal terms.
Commenting on the announcement, Giulio Zauner, General Manager, Ferrari Middle East and Africa, said: “The Ferrari Racing Days is held at prominent circuits around the world equipped with the latest safety solutions. We are delighted to host its Middle East debut in the Yas Marina circuit, which has witnessed four Grand Prix.
“An overwhelming number of Ferrari owners from the region and across the world have signed up for the event. Hosting the Racing Days at this classic venue reiterates Ferrari’s commitment to our exclusive clients in the region. We are confident the event will set a benchmark for motorsport activities in the Middle East.”
A unique exhibition from one of Scuderia Ferrari’s official test driver, Marc Gene, will serve as a key highlight of the event. Gene is an accomplished driver having raced in several world class events including Formula 3.
In addition to showcasing twelve 599XX and two FXX, the XX Program will feature three F1. ‘Ferrari Racing Days’ will see owners of the exclusive models put their machines through the paces at the Ferrari Club Challenge.
Kicking off on Thursday 7 March at 3:00pm and running to Saturday 9 March until 11.45pm, public will have access to the event from 3:00pm on Saturday. Tickets are priced for entry into the grand stand at AED25 per person and children below 11 years enter free.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi will also be a participant at the Ferrari Racing Days to celebrate the marque’s passion for racing. The world’s first and only Ferrari-themed park will kick-start momentum to the ‘Ferrari Racing Days’ from March 1 at the ‘Scuderia Challenge’. In a contest held over seven days, the fastest on each day will win a ‘Hot Lap’ on the Yas Marina Circuit – an experience of true performance, control and exhilaration in a Ferrari driven by a professional driver.
For every Ferraristi, the event is a thrilling must-attend. In September 2012 at the Silverstone circuit in the UK, a Guinness World Record of the largest parade of 964 Ferrari cars was set. In a three car grid, the car trail extended 3.66miles on the Grand Prix circuit. Previous record holders for such feats include Silverstone with 385 cars in 2007 and Fuji circuit with 490 Ferrari cars in 2008.