Overflow crowds on the event’s final day
Scarperia, 8 November – Record closing day for the Finali Mondiali [World Finals] at the Mugello circuit. On the final day, as many as 50,000 spectators crowded the installation owned by Ferrari. The most anticipated event was the exhibition of the Scuderia Ferrari and its official drivers, but much more was on display at the track.
Challenge world titles. The day opened with the races valid for the attribution of the Ferrari Challenge world title. The winners were three drivers from the European series, probably also due to the fact that they are accustomed to racing at the Mugello: the Coppa Shell went to the experienced Erich Prinoth, Matteo “Babalus” Santoponte triumphed in the Trofeo Pirelli and the Pirelli Am title went to Alessandro Vezzoni.
The exhibition. The great exhibition on the track started at 12:45 p.m. The brand new F12tdf series opened the exhibition hour. This car pays tribute to the famous Tour de France Automobile; it is produced in 799 units and is equipped with a V12 engines with a power of 780 HP. Three examples of the car went onto the track: Kimi Raikkonen and Esteban Gutierrez accompanied respectively the managing director Amedeo Felisa and the vice-president Piero Ferrari on two red cars while the president Sergio Marchionne was Sebastian Vettel’s passenger on the yellow car with which the model was launched.
GT moment. Following this, the 458 Italia GTE and GT3 competing in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and in the main national and international GT championships went on the track. Toni Vilander and Giancarlo Fisichella alternated on car number 51 while the regular drivers James Calado and Davide Rigon took turns on car number 71. Olivier Beretta drove the GT3. Then it was the turn of the 488, a car just introduced which will be racing in the GTE version during the 2016 WEC and in the GT3 version in the great majority of the GT championships. Andrea Bertolini, who looked after the tests, was at the wheel of the GT3, while “Gimmi” Bruni, who is increasingly becoming the face of Ferrari in the GT competitions, was on board the 488 GTE.
“An unforgettable experience to have 50,000 fans here”
Scarperia, 8 November – “This event has been amazingly successful, attracting a crowd of 50,000 fans to Mugello. It shows just how important this marque is, not just in the world of the automobile, but also for this country.” This was what Ferrari President, Sergio Marchionne had to say about the big crowd that turned up in Mugello to watch the Finali Mondiali, which ended today with the Ferrari Challenge world titles being decided. The fans were also treated to a display from Scuderia Ferrari, featuring the race drivers Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. “Everyone here today can tell that we are going in the right direction. In Formula 1, Maurizio Arrivabene and the whole team are doing a good job: we have not won the 2015 title, which is a shame, but development of the 2016 car gives us cause to believe in it for next season.”
The president arrived in the morning and met the many owners and fans who packed the paddock from the early hours. He handed out the prizes to the Ferrari Challenge world champions and also did a lap of the track in the brand new F12tdf, driven by Sebastian Vettel who premiered the very latest creation from the Maranello company. Kimi Raikkonen had managing director Amedeo Felisa as a passenger, while Esteban Gutierrez had the marque’s vice president, Piero Ferrari alongside him.
The day ended with the traditional “family photo” featuring all the drivers from every category, following on from the crowd-pleasing demonstration from the Scuderia’s Formula 1 Drivers.
Kimi: “A very special day.” Seb: “I promise I will be giving my all for the fans.”
Scarperia, 8 November –Those who think today’s F1 drivers are two dimensional, with no room for emotion were evidently not at Mugello this Sunday. Seb Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen went all out to give their utmost for the thousands of people who were up against the barriers, endlessly signing autographs, posing for selfies and, above all putting on a great show on track. Later, in the press conference they gave their thoughts on the day.
Let’s start with Kimi, a “veteran” of this type of event. “This is a very special day and it’s hard to compare to previous Ferrari Days that I’ve attended. It definitely helps that we’re in Italy, Ferrari’s homeland. But maybe, today reminds me of the 2007 event, after I’d won the world title. Anyway, it’s always nice to do something for the fans. I am really happy. Now we will try to do our best in the two remaining rounds of this championship.”
And Seb echoed his team-mate’s sentiments: “It would be nice if events like this were held more often, as it’s a chance to meet the people who support us. On top of that, this was the perfect day, warm and sunny and also on the perfect track! As for the championship, the last race was the worst of the season in terms of results, but even so, in Mexico our race pace was encouraging. Let’s bear in mind that eight to nine months ago, we were around 1.3, 1.4 seconds off the pace, whereas now its down to half a second or even less. I promise the fans that in the next two races, we will give it all we’ve got. The ideal would be if we’re out ahead of everyone…”
Scarperia, 8 November – Erich Prinoth is the new Coppa Shell world champion. The Italian veteran avoided the many pitfalls of the Mugello track and steered clear of the incidents that marked the race.
Plot twist. The two favourites and stars of the European season, Gautam Singhania and newly crowned champion Jacques Duyver (both Kessel Racing) were knocked out of the running in a collision right at the start with Thomas Loefflad (StileF Racing Team) who was forced to withdraw himself. The Indian served his drive-through penalty a few laps later, handing Prinoth the lead.
Podium fight. A tight battle for the other two podium places developed behind Prinoth, involving Fons Scheltema, Rick Lovat, Kriton Lendoudis and Singhania. The Indian mounted a comeback right down to the final corner, when he overtook the Greek. However, in the end the top three spots went to three veterans, Prinoth, Scheltema and Lovat.
Emotions and spectacle on Sunday with Scuderia Ferrari
Scarperia, 8 Nov – Prancing Horse fans and enthusiasts are eagerly anticipating the final day of the 2015 Finali Mondiali at Mugello on Sunday. The day’s biggest draw will be the Maranello show at 12.45 pm, with Scuderia Ferrari Formula 1 drivers Kimi Raikkonen, Sebastian Vettel and Esteban Gutierrez. This is Raikkonen’s second consecutive appearance at the Finali Mondiali, after last year in Abu Dhabi. However, it will be first time for both Gutierrez and Vettel. The public, fans, and many Ferrari staff are eager to greet the German driver after his three victories this season.
Championship medal ceremony. Meanwhile on Saturday night, in the splendid setting of Fortezza da Basso in Florence, the gala dinner saw the medals for the three series handed out by Ferrari President Sergio Marchionne and CEO Amedeo Felisa. The evening also included the unveiling of the F12tdf, the new 780 HP V12. The car, produced in a special limited (LINK TO PAGE OF TDF) will star in a spectacular display on track on Sunday. And that’s not all. The thousands of people who come to Mugello will find all the exhibitions up and running, including the tents of the Ferrari Classics, the range, GT and the pits, the junior paddock and the race Simulators.
Scarperia, 7 November – Adults and children, the inquisitive and the passionate, and people of all nationalities flocked to Mugello on Saturday, the penultimate day of the Finali Mondiali. The beautiful weather brought out the crowds who came to look around the Ferrari circuit. Visitors to Scarperia would not have been disappointed. Children had the junior paddock to enjoy, with many themed games, while Ferrari enthusiasts could admire the range and the classic cars. The roar of the engines drew the public to the F1 Clienti and XX Programmes pits, while anyone visiting the GT tent could gain a preview of the car that will compete in the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours. On Sunday it will be the turn of Scuderia Ferrari to put on a show, with Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel at Mugello to meet the fans and entertain them with a stunning exhibition at the wheel of the Formula 1 Ferraris.
Unveiling of GT3 and GTE versions that will race in the WEC
Scarperia, 7 November – The FXX K was presented at last year’s Finali Mondiali in Abu Dhabi. In 2015 at Mugello it was the turn of the 488, which was shown off in its GTE and GT3 versions. Celebrity endorser, Lapo Elkann, paid a visit to the Finali Mondiali on Friday, conducting the award ceremony for the winners of the Ferrari Challenge race and going for a spin as a passenger in an exclusive FXX K.
A car for Le Mans. “Gimmi” Bruni, Toni Vilander, James Calado and Davide Rigon removed the red cloth from the 488 GTE, the car that will race in next year’s World Endurance Championship (WEC) and that was presented in the AF Corse team race livery for next season.
GT racing weapon. Giancarlo Fisichella, Olivier Beretta and Andrea Bertolini, who did the lion’s share of testing, unveiled the GT3 version of the car that will compete in the main domestic and international GT championships. The major break with the 458 Italia is the turbo engine, which also appears on the production model of the car, 488 GTB.
Scarperia, 7 November – A unique sound, extraordinary power, and many exceptional cars: In a nutshell this is what two of Ferrari’s most exclusive programmes, F1 Clienti and XX Programmes, are offering.
Nearly 15 years of victories. The cars that have written the history of Formula 1, from the F300 of 1998 to the F150° Italia of 2011 are taking to the track at the World Finals in Mugello, thrilling fans with the characteristic sound of their eight and ten-cylinder aspirated engines. Customers who have a chance to drive them at the World Finals will have the assistance of some very special tutors such as Marc Gene, James Calado and Giancarlo Fisichella. The F1 Clienti will be key players on Sunday, when an expected record number of spectators will certainly appreciate the roar of the engines of some of the most successful cars in Formula 1 history.
Extraordinary power. The XX Programmes cars will join the F1 Clienti on track at the Finali Mondiali. These unique and extraordinary cars are something that only Ferrari could have come up with. The cars of the XX Programmes can only be driven on track, but they are not approved for any championship. The first of the line was the FXX of 2005, built on the basis of the Enzo, which was followed by the 599XX and then, starting this year, the FXX K, a car as beautiful as it is powerful, with 1050 horsepower and equipped with extraordinary technology that also takes advantage of the experience gained in Formula 1 with hybrid Technology.
Scarperia, 6 November – Black to render the sports lines even more aggressive. White, especially on the bonnet and doors. And splashes of yellow on the headlamps and sides. These are the colours of the 458 Challenge Evo No. 88 of the Baron Service team, driven by the Belgian Florian Meckx in the Trofeo Pirelli Europa, which received the prize Best Ferrari’s Livrea [Best Ferrari’s Colours], awarded this afternoon at the Hospitality Ferrari in the Mugello paddock.
The award was granted on the basis of the votes cast by the guests of the Ferrari sponsor during all races of the championship. Merckx’ car has also been reproduced in 1:8 scale by Amalgam. It has thus become a collector’s model car.
Scarperia, 6 November – Everything is set for an exciting duel in the Trofeo Pirelli on Saturday after the change of leader on Friday when Indonesia’s Renaldi Hutasoit of Viro Water Ferrari Jakarta won the race to nab top spot from Australia’s Steve Wyatt (Barbagallo Perth), who finished second. Another Indonesian, David Tjiptobiantoro (Jakarta Ferrari), came third.
Pirelli Am. In the Trofeo Pirelli Am, first place went to the “mysterious” Robert Acer, an American driver with Ferrari Greater China, who climbed on the podium completely masked to conceal his identity. Second went to the undisputed championship leader, China’s Wei Xu (CTF Group) followed by Korea’s Jung Hoon Youn (FMK).
Coppa Shell. Finally, in the Coppa Shell, Japan’s Tadakazu Kojima (Rosso Scuderia KK) took first, ahead of China’s Xin Jin (Prestige Group), who further stretched his lead in the overall standings and is closing in on the title. Another Chinese driver, Bo Song (CTF Group), finished third. Tomorrow Race-2 is scheduled.
Scarperia, 6 November – The first race of the Ferrari Challenge Europe Trofeo Pirelli saw an exciting show, with tight duels, spinouts and great overtaking. In the Trofeo Pirelli “Babalus” (Scuderia Autoropa) took some revenge on Bjorn Grossmann (Octane 126), who arrived with the championship already in his pocket, while the lead changed in the Trofeo Pirelli Am.
Trofeo Pirelli. Starting from pole position, “Babalus” dominated the race holding off Grossmann who only managed to pull closer to the Italian driver in the final stages. Third place went to David Gostner (Ineco-MP Service) while there was a great fight for fourth between Florian Merckx (Baron Service) and the Ferrari World Endurance Championship driver, Aleksey Basov, on loan for the occasion to AF Corse. The Belgian won.
Pirelli Am. However, the Pirelli Am witnessed a total reversal. Alessandro Vezzoni (Rossocorsa Pellin-Racing), who started from pole, helped by two accomplices won his battle against Martin Nelson (Scuderia Autoropa), who had led the championship standings before the race. Sam Smeeth (Stratstone Ferrari) came second ahead of the Czech Jiri Pisarik of Scuderia Praha, recent winner of the 12 Hours of Brno. Nelson will do everything to fight back in Race-2, on Saturday at 1.05pm.
The Finali Mondiali will be at the famous speedway from 1 to 4 Dec.
Scarperia, 6 Nov – Daytona International Speedway will host the 2016 World Finals from 1 to 4 Dec. The announcement was made on Friday afternoon at the World Finals, taking place at Mugello until Sunday. The event saw a cocktail of calendar presentations in the presence of the drivers from all three series of the world’s most famous one-make championship.
The hosts. The Daytona circuit was represented by a delegation of circuit president Joie Chitwood III, and former Formula 1 driver and winner of the Indianapolis 500, Eddie Cheever, who manages the development of the circuit’s activities and is a long-term friend of Italy and Ferrari.
Historic location. The Daytona track is one of the world’s most legendary, the theatre of great battles and especially the 24 Hours, the joint most famous race on the planet along with Le Mans. Ferrari’s clean sweep in 1967 makes it an unforgettable venue for the company, but Daytona is not simply part of Ferrari’s past because for years now the American 24 Hours is tied to the first round of the Challenge North America. This video contains the whole calendar of the 2016 season of the Ferrari Challenge.
Scarperia, 6 November – Race-1 of the final weekend of the Ferrari Challenge Europe Coppa Shell produced two results. Firstly, Jacques Duyver won the European title after leading the standings all season, while secondly Gautam Singhania finally earned a first victory to seal his status as this year’s surprise package.The race. The Kessel Racing team driver started from pole and never relinquished his lead, repelling every attack by a determined Erich Prinoth (Ineco-MP Service). Sweden’s Christian Kinch was in a surprising third for a time but was finally overtaken by Duyver.
Gentlemen’s Cup. Friday’s race also saw Prinoth secure a mathematical victory in the Gentlemen’s Cup, for drivers over 55. His second place sealed it, because nearest rival Fons Scheltema, only finished ninth. Now it’s all done and dusted Race-2 will simply be an exclusive training session ahead of the Finale Mondiale of the Coppa Shell on Sunday at 9.30am.
Scarperia, 6 November – The grand finale for the 2015 Ferrari Challenge season culminates this weekend at the Mugello Circuit, just north of Florence, Italy. Fifteen drivers hailing from the United States and Canada have traveled across the seas to compete in the championship round of the Finali Mondiali, racing in the finest spectacle of Prancing Horses brought to you by Ferrari’s Corse Clienti. The annual celebration brings together the drivers from the Ferrari Challenge series in Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific, as well as the F1 Clienti and XX Programmes. The fifteen drivers from North America represent one of the largest field of drivers from the series to travel to the Finali Mondiali. Having just come from NOLA Motorsports Park last month in Louisiana, they’re geared up for the final race of the season.
Trofeo Pirelli. Emmanuel Anassis (Ferrari of Quebec), former North American Ferrari Challenge champion, has had an unforgettable season. Standing on the podium at each race, the Canadian continued to maintain his ground as the points leader of his class, with 226 points. But that hasn’t stopped the chase as Gregory Romanelli (The Collection) follows swiftly behind. Romanelli more recently took the victory in NOLA, leading him to 156 points coming into the championship. Romanelli will be racing alongside his older brother, Arthur (The Collection), who runs in the Trofeo Pirelli Am class. John Farano (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) closes the gap standing in third place with 136 points.
Trofeo Pirelli Am. Mike Zoi (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) and Anthony Imperato (Ferrari of Long Island) both hold the lead in the championship points for their class. With just an 8 points standing between them, Zoi with 189 and Imperato with 181, the race action this weekend will be sure to entice. James Weiland (Ferrari of San Francisco) makes his second return to the Finali Mondiali and currently stands in third with 133 points.
Coppa Shell. The most exciting action the North American Ferrari Challenge remains among the drivers from the Coppa Shell class. Throughout the season, we’ve seen the top four championship points leaders tightly contend one another. Currently, Jean-Claude Saada (Boardwalk Ferrari) hold the lead with 180 points. Behind him are Joe Courtney (Miller Motor Cars) with 178 points, Dan O’Neal (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) with 165 points, and rookie Chris Cagnazzi (Ferrari of Long Island) with 162 points. Only 18 points separate the leader with his three rivals, making for an interesting finale round here in Mugello.
Schedule. The racing action begins today with the first round of qualifying at 9:30 AM and Race 1 at 1:05 PM. Another round of qualifying and Race 2 are reserved for Saturday when the championship will be decided. All the drivers will be back on track on Sunday competing for the World Championship title with individual races for the Trofeo Pirelli (divided between Pirelli and Pirelli AM) and Coppa Shell.
Scarperia, 5 November – The expert Erich Prinoth talks about Mugello circuit, the track that hosts the last two races of the Ferrari Challenge Europe championship and that on Sunday will be the venue of the Finale Mondiale [World Final] of the Coppa Shell. The Ineco-MP Service team driver was in the race for the Coppa Shell championship for a long time, but now leads the standings of the Gentlemen Cup, reserved to drivers over 55. Erich does not have any doubts: “Whoever wins at the Mugello fully deserves the world championship title.
Four days packed with events from Thursday to Sunday
Scarperia, 5 November – The Finali Mondiali at Mugello has kicked off with the first Ferrari Challenge practice sessions. The Finali Mondiali, from Thursday to Sunday, will offer enthusiasts and fans all the passion, excitement and technology that only the Prancing Horse can provide.
Three series of the Challenge. The menu is full of interesting activities, starting with the track events. Indeed, Mugello will host the final two rounds of the three series of the world’s most famous brand: the Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific series. Then on Sunday all the drivers will be on track for the two world championship finals, the Trofeo Pirelli (divided into Pirelli and Pirelli Am) and the Coppa Shell.
F1 Clienti and XX Programmes. Then there will then be the F1 Clienti and the cars of the XX Programmes. The F1 Clienti will offer a glimpse of the Ferraris that competed in Formula 1 from 1998 to 2011, while the FXX K will do the lion’s share of the work for the XX Programmes. The car, derived from the special limited LaFerrari series, was presented for the first time at last year’s Finali Mondiali and in this edition will make its debut in the hands of customers.
The Scuderia and the rest. But the Finali Mondiali is not just about what happens on track. There will be a lot to see in the paddock, starting with the current Ferrari range, including the new special limited F12tdf series. Then there will be the classic Ferrari GTs, with cars ranging from the 1950s to the 458 Italia which ends its competitive career this year in the GTE-Pro series of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). And with this in mind, Mugello will also see the new 488 GTE and GT3, a car whose two versions will compete in next year’s WEC and the main GT championships.
Scarperia, 5 November – The Coppa Shell is heading into its last race at Mugello with two titles still up for grabs, although there are two obvious favorites and just a handful of points left to be won.
Kessel derby. The fight for the Coppa Shell title involves two drivers competing under the banner of Kessel Racing. A good 40 points separate Belgium’s Jacques Duyver and India’s Gautam Singhania, so Duyver doesn’t need much to clinch the title, which he could do as soon as Friday. However, despite a great season Singhania still doesn’t have a win to his name and what better occasion to gain it than the Finali Mondiali?
Prinoth favourite. The other Coppa Shell title is the Gentlemen’s Cup, for drivers over 55. Again there is a big favourite, Erich Prinoth (Ineco-MP Service), who is well ahead of Fons Scheltema. However, the Dutchman is still in with a mathematical chance and certainly won’t go down without a fight. Before we see the drivers on the track we can relive all the excitement of the Valencia race in this spectacular video.
Maranello, 2 November – Ferrari’s GT drivers are on their way from Rome and Monte Carlo but mainly from Shanghai, to attend the Finali Mondiali at Mugello from 5 to 8 November.
The Americans. Giancarlo Fisichella and Olivier Beretta starred in a very busy season in America. The Roman driver competed in the IMSA United SportsCar Championship with the 458 Italia of Risi Competizione, winning many podium finishes and staying in contention for the title right down to the final races. Olivier was the long-term leader of the Pirelli World Challenge with the R.Ferri team car, but then lost top spot to Johnny O’Connell in an unlucky last race at Laguna Seca. Both also starred in the GTE Pro at the Le Mans 24 Hours, finishing respectively third and second.
Five plus one. Five Ferrari official drivers plus another 2015 star are on their way from Shanghai. We mean Gianmaria “Gimmi” Bruni and Toni Vilander, and James Calado and Davide Rigon, drivers of 458 Italia GTEs no. 51 and 71 in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), the world’s most important GT series. Then there is also Andrea Bertolini, leader of the drivers’ standings in the GTE-Am class and winner of the Le Mans 24 Hours with the Ferrari of SMP Racing. His partner Aleksey Basov is due to race the 458 Challenge EVO AF Corse in the Trofeo Pirelli of the Ferrari Challenge Europe and also in the world championship.
Princesses. Two princesses will be awaiting the seven champions, the Ferrari 488 GTE and the GT3. These cars equipped with turbo engines will be unveiled to the public for the first time and will be key players in next season’s WEC championship and the world’s most important GT series.
Wyatt, Van Loenhout and Yeo: a 14,000-kilometre trip in search of the title
Maranello, 26 October – Perhaps not everyone knows that New Zealand is the precise polar opposite of Italy, making it the country furthest from the Mugello circuit, venue of the Ferrari Finali Mondiali from 5 to 8 Nov. There are no New Zealand drivers enrolled, but three Australians are among the representatives of the 24 nations competing. The trio of Steve Wyatt, Paul Van Loenhout and Alan Yeo are now readying themselves for the 14,000 km trip. They are coming in pursuit of the world championship title, even though one of the three has another target besides.
APAC leader. Steve Wyatt, who has also raced for Ferrari in GT competitions, is an experienced driver, a huge Ferrari enthusiast and very loyal to the 458 Italia. Steve has a double goal at the Finali Mondiali. Like everyone he wants to be world champion, in his case in the Pirelli Am class, but first of all he needs to win the Trofeo Pirelli title in the Asia Pacific series where he is battling it out with Indonesia’s Renaldi Hutasoit and David Tjiptobiantoro.
The student. Then in the Coppa Shell there is Paul Van Loenhout, a frequent competitor in the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific, who this year has taken part, albeit sporadically, in the European series where he has won 17 points. His coach driver is Renato Loberto and his ambition is to play a leading role in the Finali Mondiali.
In search of glory. The third Australian, Alan Yeo, is also competing in the Coppa Shell but in the Asia Pacific championship. Alan is in 10th position in the standings but aims to climb towards the top of the table in the Barbagallo team’s 458 Challenge EVO. The best way to follow the adventures of the Australians is to come to the circuit from 5 to 8 Nov. Admission to Mugello is free. Just download the entry coupon at this link.
First public outing for new limited edition special series V12
Maranello, 22 October – So far you’ve only seen it in photographs but at the Finali Mondiali, Ferrari’s annual track get-together taking place at Mugello between November 5 and 8, you’ll be able to see the F21tdF “in the flesh” for the very first time. In fact, the stunning 780 CV limited edition special series V12 makes its track debut on Sunday, November 8, a day with an already packed schedule.
An unmissable moment in an event that never fails to reward enthusiasts and tifosi with a much clearer insight into the world of Ferrari, be it Formula 1, GT racing or even our road cars.
You’ll find all the details on taking part here. Finali Mondiali 2015