Club Competizioni GT – Ferrari GT racing cars of the last 30 years return to the track

Posted: 18.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 18 January 2019. Presented to customers at the Finali Mondiali at Monza and publicly unveiled at Autosport International in Birmingham, the new Club Competizioni GT programme allows owners of Ferrari GT racing cars of the last 30 years to take to the track in events organised directly by the Maranello-based company on some of the world’s most fascinating circuits.

Exclusive events. Club Competizioni GT opens the doors of prestigious circuits to its members, complementing their track experience with top class hospitality and exclusive services. Technical assistance with the tyres is always available on the track, as are Ferrari’s official Competizioni GT drivers, professionals who compete throughout the year in the main world championships and who are ready to assist customers with advice and guidance on how to extract the maximum performance from their cars.

Eligible models. Twelve Ferrari models are eligible to join the Club Competizioni GT, ranging from the F40 Competizione of 1989 to the 488 GTEs and GT3s currently available to Ferrari’s racing customers. In addition to the basic equipment provided by club membership, which includes a custom clothing kit and a set of tyres for each round, there are also special on demand services such as exclusive sessions with a professional driver, car transport, customised logistics, and the option of a tailored menu in hospitality.

Calendar. The first year calendar includes events on extraordinarily glamorous tracks such as Mugello, which will host the first event on 9 and 10 April. Then there is Indianapolis, on the circuit that hosted the Formula 1 Grand Prix, followed by Fuji in Japan and one of the most famous test tracks, Vallelunga, just outside Rome. Club Competizioni GT will also take part in the 2019 Finali Mondiali Ferrari, which this year will be at Maranello from 22 to 27 October.

 

 

Competizioni GT – 200th win for the 488 GT3!

Posted: 12.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

For the turbo V8 berlinetta almost a win every two races

Maranello, 12 January 2019 – The victory of the 488 GT3 no. 11 of Car Guy team at Buriram was the GT3 configuration eight-cylinder turbocharged Ferrari berlinetta’s 200th (obviously including class wins) out of 406 races in the short span of three seasons, a win rate of 49.25%. This is an incredible achievement considering the highly competitive nature of the GT3 motorsport scene, with over 10 manufacturers involved in four continents.

Winning debut. The 488 GT3 made its debut in Australia and America on the weekend of 17-20 March 2016. The car took part in the first round of the Australian GT championship, at Melbourne, and the prestigious 12 Hours of Sebring, which counts towards the IMSA SportsCar Series championship. It enjoyed a spectacular debut weekend. The 488 GT3 of DeFelice Homes, with Benny Simonsen and Andrea Montermini, won four out of four races. However, Christian Nielsen, Alessandro Balzan and Jeff Segal did even better in the Scuderia Corsa car, which beat its top rivals at the Florida classic, before going on to complete the season in the best possible way by taking the GTD class title.

Versatile and high-performance. The 488 GT3 has always stood out for its ease of driving, due to excellent aerodynamics and the engine, with its powerful but gentle delivery, which has proved almost indestructible over time. In the three seasons of its career 45 teams have chosen the car and 231 drivers have taken the wheel. It has won 43 titles.

A year to remember. The 488 GT3’s win count has steadily increased year by year, with the car clocking up its 100th victory in March 2018 in the PWC Championship courtesy of Toni Vilander and Miguel Molina at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, and then sealing its 200th less than a year later at the Buriram race of the Asian Le Mans Series Championship courtesy of Car Guy team and of drivers James Calado, Kei Francesco Cozzolino and Takeshi Kimura.

 

 

Autosport International – Ferrari stars in Birmingham

Posted: 11.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Presentation of Ferrari Challenge UK and Club Competizioni GT

Birmingham, 11 January 2019 – Ferrari is out in force at Autosport International in Birmingham, presenting its two major innovations for 2019: the Ferrari Challenge United Kingdom and Club Competizioni GT.

The stand. Ferrari has its own stand in Hall 2, on the mezzanine floor, where it is displaying the 488 Challenge and a 488 GTE. The two cars have special liveries for the two new programmes that Ferrari is launching this season.

Ferrari Challenge UK. Ferrari Challenge has not had a local series since the days of the Italian one. The Ferrari Challenge United Kingdom will now join the three continental championships (Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific) in offering local fans and drivers the excitement of the world’s most famous one-make championship. Competitors will need a National A License, while the car in use will obviously be the 488 Challenge, one of which is beautifully displayed in white with Union Jack on the bonnet and roof. The door carries a livery reminiscent of the classic London underground map, with the championship rounds taking the place of the stations. It starts on 25 April with the prologue at Brands Hatch, where the first race will be held on 18-19 May. Round two will be at Snetterton (22-23 June), round three at Croft (20-21 July) and round four at Silverstone on 21-22 September.

Club Competizioni GT. The other programme presented in Birmingham is Club Competizioni GT, represented by a 488 GTE whose livery depicts all the stages of the first season of this new activity. The Club opens the doors of prestigious circuits to its members, supplementing the track experience with first-class hospitality. Twelve Ferrari models are eligible to take part in Club Competizioni GT, ranging from the F40 Competizione of 1989 to the 488 GTE and GT3 currently available to Ferrari racing customers. The calendar for the first year includes events at extraordinarily glamorous tracks such as Mugello, which will host the first meeting on 9 and 10 April, Indianapolis, Fuji and Vallelunga, the track just outside Rome. Club Competizioni GT will also take part in the 2019 Finali Mondiali Ferrari, which this year will be at Mugello.

 

 

ALMS – CarGuy Ferrari triumphs at Buriram

Posted: 12.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Title practically won

Buriram, 12 January 2019 – Three wins out of there races, despite accidents, blizzards and penalties, the Ferrari 488 GT3 of the CarGuy team is now within sight of the Asian Le Mans Series GT title, and with it of an automatic qualification for the world’s most prestigious race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Chaos. However, the race was anything but straightforward, even if the Ferrari no. 11 soon found itself in the lead after its sister car #51 set off from pole, driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, Francesco Piovanetti and Oswaldo Negri Junior. The yellow Ferrari of Calado, Kei Cozzolino and Takeshi Kimura was involved in an accident with a prototype early in the race, while a few laps from the end it suffered a penalty for a pit stop infringement. However, none of this prevented the WEC world champion and his two Japanese teammates from winning ahead of the Audi of Tianshi Racing, crewed by Alex Au, Chen Wei An and Jean-Karl Vernay. Third place went to the Ferrari of Spirit of Race.

Championship. On its debut with Ferrari, CarGuy team and its drivers enjoy a 25-point lead over their nearest pursuers with a maximum of 26 still to be won. This means that if the Spirit of Race car doesn’t take pole position at Sepang for the 24 February race, the title would go to CarGuy without even having to start. Indeed, all that Calado, Cozzolino and Kimura need to do is finish the race to be mathematically certain of the title.

 

Asian Le Mans Series – Two Ferrari crews in search of glory at Buriram

Posted: 10.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Buriram, 10 January 2019 – The second half of the Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS) championship begins at Buriram in Thailand over the weekend. Two Ferraris are set to start, both with a good chance of winning.

Out in front. The 488 GT3 of Ferrari debutant team Carguy tops the standings in the GT class. The car is crewed by official Ferrari driver, James Calado, and Japan’s Kei Cozzolino and Takeshi Kimura. The trio has won both races so far on the Shanghai and Fuji tracks and if the other Ferrari finishes off the podium a victory could even clinch the title for the Japanese team with a race still to run. The Asian Le Mans Series also offers places at this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Pursuers. Up to this point, the Ferraris have literally dominated the scene, only yielding pole in Shanghai to their rivals. Indeed, in both races the 488 GT3 of Spirit of Race, driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, Oswaldo Negri Junior and Francesco Piovanetti, came second. The three are the main rivals of the other Ferrari, a very strange and paradoxical situation for Pier Guidi who usually pairs with Calado in the World Endurance Championship at the wheel of the 488 GTE no. 51. The race will start on Saturday, at dawn in Europe.

 

 

RM Sotheby’s achieves best ever result in Paris at EUR 32.4 M

 

Posted: 08.02.2019
Source: RM Sotheby’s

SALES LED BY RECORD-BREAKING FERRARI F40 LM AT €4.84M

DEBUT OFFERING OF THE YOUNGTIMER COLLECTION SEES GLOBAL INTEREST

  • RM Sotheby’s achieves €32.4 million with 79 percent of all lots sold at strongest Paris sale to date, 6 February
  • Sale topped by the most iconic 1987 Ferrari F40 LM at €4.84 million, a new world record for the model at auction
  • Additional supercars command enthusiastic bidding, with Bugatti EB110 SS smashing the previous record at €2.03M
  • First offering of cars from the Youngtimer Collection sees strong prices achieved for modern and future collectibles
  • Complete results from Paris sale available at rmsothebys.com

PARIS, France (8 February 2019) – RM Sotheby’s achieved its highest total for the company’s Paris sale to date on Wednesday evening, generating more than €32.4 million at its sixth annual sale during Rétromobile. A packed auction room, enthusiastic bidding, and strong prices were seen across the evening, beginning with a selection of motorsport memorabilia that well-exceeded expectations. The group was highlighted by an Ayrton Senna McLaren Rheos Helmet, which surpassed its pre-sale estimate at a final €162,000. RM Sotheby’s welcomed bidders from no less than 45 countries to the Paris sale, and noted a 25 percent increase in total bidders over 2018.

The 1987 Ferrari F40 LM was the undoubted star lot of the sale and represented a very rare opportunity to acquire one of Maranello’s legendary sports racing cars of the modern era. The car offered is a unique piece of Ferrari history as it not only boasts a significant and successful competition history, but it also played an important development role as a pre-production prototype. As a result, pre-sale interest in the car was very strong and intense bidding in the room and over the phones saw the car achieve €4,842,500 to set a new world record for the model.

Demonstrating the continued high demand for top-tier supercars, the 1994 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport, one of just 30 examples built and no doubt one of the lowest mileage examples in existence at a mere 916km from new, sold for €2,030,000 (est. €1.3/1.8m). The EB110 opened a sustained bidding contest between three bidders on the phone and one in the room, eventually nearly doubling the previous record for the SS model held by RM Sotheby’s (€1,152,500). Additional modern performance highlights include the 2017 Ferrari F12tdf, which saw tremendous interest throughout the exhibition for its stunning Brunito paintwork and tan saddle leather custom interior, translating to a bidding contest on the night, resulting in an above-estimate final price of €1,197,500 (est. €825/950k). A 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, beautifully outfitted from the factory with Liquid Metal Silver finish, Magnesium wheels, and the Weissach package rear spoiler, sold for a final €1,101,875 (est. €950k/1.1m), while the 2018 Bugatti Chiron, showing less than 1,800 km on the odometer, as well as the Classiche-certified 1996 Ferrari F50, were sold immediately following the auction for €2,275,000 and €1,700,000 respectively.

Historic sports and racing cars from the 1950s and 60s also starred at the sale, with a 1956 Porsche 550 RS Spyder, Porsche’s first dedicated competition car, selling for a final €3,042,500 to become the second highest sale of the night. A 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C, the first of just eight long-nose, six-carburettor, alloy body, torque-tube examples and freshly restored in its rare original color scheme, sold for €2,860,000 immediately following the sale, rounding out the auction’s top three.

Augustin Sabatié-Garat, Auction Manager, RM Sotheby’s Europe, said: “We have enjoyed a highly successful night in Paris, achieving the highest sale total since the first auction in 2014. This is a great indication that certain sectors of the market are looking strong for 2019, and it was particularly interesting to see how well cars from the Youngtimer collection sold alongside the established blue-chip collector cars. This was the perfect venue for the presentation of our star car, the F40 LM, with such fantastic French history, and our increased bidder numbers and growing participation from around the world also indicate sustained and new interest in the collector car hobby.”

RM Sotheby’s Paris sale also saw the first offering of cars from the highly anticipated Youngtimer Collection, a single-owner group of more than 140 modern classics from the 1980s, 1990s, and 2000s. Prices were strong across the 25 cars presented at the sale, with numerous new benchmarks achieved for models indicative of changing collector tastes. Kicking off the group, a 1989 Mercedes-Benz 560 SEC AMG 6.0 ‘Wide-Body’ incited a long bidding contest at Place Vauban, eventually selling for a final €297,500, doubling its pre-sale low estimate and setting a new world record for the model at auction (est. €150/200k).

The top sale of the Youngtimer group was a 2006 Ferrari Superamerica at €590,000, delivered new to the Kuwaiti royal family and presented in highly desirable six-speed manual transmission specification with the HGTC package (est. €575/650k). Additional stand out lots from within the Collection include a group of low mileage models that well-exceeded expectations, from a 17,000-km 1992 Porsche 928 GTS in eye-catching specification, which smashed its pre-sale estimate, bringing a final €138,000 (est. €70/85k), to a 1994 BMW Alpina B12 5.7 at €207,000 (est. €175/225k), a 1985 Audi Quattro at a final €77,625 (est. €40/50k), and a 1994 Mercedes-Benz E 500 Limited, which sold for €86,250 (est. €40/50k). More than 100 additional cars from the Youngtimer Collection will be presented at RM Sotheby’s upcoming Amelia Island, Fort Lauderdale, and inaugural Essen, Germany, auctions.

RM Sotheby’s Paris Top Ten Sales

1. Lot 126

 1987 Ferrari F40 LM

 €4,842,500

2. Lot 156

 1956 Porsche 550 RS Spyder

 €3,042,500

3. Lot 155

 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta

 €2,860,000

4. Lot 168

 2018 Bugatti Chiron

 €2,275,000

5. Lot 165

 1994 Bugatti EB110 Super Sport

 €2,030,000

6. Lot 159

 1996 Ferrari F50

 €1,700,000

7. Lot 173

 2017 Ferrari F12tdf

 €1,197,500

8. Lot 180

 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder

 €1,101,875

9. Lot 136

 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta

 €933,125

10. Lot 179

 1957 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster

 €902,187

RM Sotheby’s presence during Rétromobile continues this week with the company’s stand (Hall 1A, M105) featuring several cars available via RM Sotheby’s Private Sales division, as well as a 1931 Aston Martin LM5 with wonderful period competition history – an early highlight for the biannual Villa Erba sale set for 25 May. 

RM Sotheby’s continues its 2019 auction calendar next month with its Amelia Island, Florida auction on 8-9 March—the official auction of the esteemed Amelia Island Concours d’Elegance. Expanded to two days for 2019, the 21st annual sale will bring more than 140 of the finest coach-built classics, sports and racing cars, and late model collectibles to the Ritz-Carlton. The European calendar continues just weeks later as RM Sotheby’s stages the company’s first-ever German sale during Techno-Classica Essen, 11-12 April at the Messe Essen exhibition center. The Essen sale is set to present more than 150 diverse collector cars during the long-running Techno-Classica fair, recognized as the first great German car salon for vintage cars and collector vehicles. 

Complete results from RM Sotheby’s Paris as well as further details on upcoming auctions are available at rmsothebys.com.

 

RM Sotheby’s 2019 Paris Auction – The Ferrari Lots

S/N 75934
Ferrari 412
S/N 74045
Ferrari F40 LM
S/N 181259
Ferrari SA Aperta
S/N 160738
Ferrari 430 Scuderia
S/N 115804
Ferrari 550 Maranello WSR
S/N 144001
Ferrari 575 Superamerica
S/N 138355
Ferrari Enzo Ferrari
S/N 08311
Ferrari 275 GTB/6C
S/N 104762
Ferrari F50
S/N 105091
Ferrari F355 Spider
S/N 01406
Ferrari 246 GT Dino
S/N 222120
Ferrari F12tdf
S/N 1983 GT
Ferrari 250 GT Cabriolet Pinin Farina Series 2
S/N 1831 GT
Ferrari 250 GT Coupé Pinin Farina
S/N 188026
Ferrari SP30
S/N 36445
Ferrari 512 BB
S/N 31159
Ferrari 512 BB Competizione
S/N 143094
Ferrari 575 Superamerica

 

Build the ultimte Supercar garage at RM Sotheby’s Paris Auction

 

Posted: 09.01.2019
 
Source: RM Sotheby’s

ONE-OFF FERRARI SP30 SPECIAL PROJECTS CAR LEADS FINAL ENTRIES

FRESHLY RESTORED FERRARI 275 GTB/6C ALLOY BERLINETTA ALSO JOINS THE LINEUP

PARIS DIGITAL CATALOGUE NOW AVAILABLE

  • RM Sotheby’s announces the very first Ferrari Special Projects car offered publicly, set for its Paris auction
  • February sale presents incredible roster of top-tier supercars and hypercars from Europe’s most desirable marques
  • Recently restored 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta also joins Paris catalogue, which features previously announced Ferrari F40 LM, Porsche 550 RS Spyder, and selections from The Youngtimer Collection
  • Complete catalogue and event information on the Paris auction now available at rmsothebys.com


LONDON (8 January 2019) – 
RM Sotheby’s is thrilled to release the complete catalogue for the company’s sixth annual Paris sale, set for 6 February during the world-famous Rétromobile week. Final entries for the sale, which features 85 motor cars, one boat, and a selection of automobilia, are led by a one-off 2011 Ferrari SP30, the very first Ferrari Special Projects car to be offered publicly for purchase. Adding to the previously announced Ferrari F40 LM, F50, Bugatti Chiron, Veyron 16.4 Grand Sport Vitesse, and EB110 Super Sport, the SP30 leads another group of the world’s most sought-after European supercars, including a Ferrari Enzo, 599 SA ApertaBugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, and Porsche 918 Spyder, all in special-order or seldom-seen colors.

The 2011 Ferrari SP30, chassis no. 188026, is a true one-off built by Ferrari’s Special Projects division. Through the program, customers select a current production chassis and drivetrain to work with, and while it must retain that model’s particular hard points and homologated details, in terms of design, customers are essentially given a blank sheet and creative power of Ferrari’s own designers to turn their dreams into reality. Roughly 40 cars have been produced by the department for Ferrari’s very best clients since its debut in 2008, approximately a third of which are known to the public.

The SP30 on offer received early media attention but has remained largely out of the public eye until only very recently. Based on a 599 GTO chassis and drivetrain, the bodywork is completely unique to this car, defined by the 599 XX style rear winglets and speedster humps at the rear. Utilizing 458 Italia headlights and 599 tail lights, the car’s silhouette is clearly reminiscent of other front-engined, twelve-cylinder Ferraris. Boasting unique wheels, the scalloped bonnet most certainly inspired designers of the F12tdf. Presented in virtually as-new condition, the SP30 has barely, if ever, seen the open road, showing less than 110 km on its odometer. Representing the ultimate manifestation of the wildest automotive desires of its first and only owner, the SP30 offered in Paris is the first Ferrari Special Projects car to be offered for sale to the public (Estimate Available Upon Request).

“Our offering of the Ferrari SP30 is an unprecedented opportunity to acquire something truly unique,” says Augustin Sabatié-Garat, European Auction Manager, RM Sotheby’s. “The SP30 is an incredible example of the lost art of modern-coachbuilding, and an important piece of Ferrari history that is reminiscent of the one-offs from the legendary Enzo-era. Beyond the SP30, we’re thrilled to present exceptional examples of some of the hobby’s most sought-after supercars, all of which can claim a feature that sets them apart from their peers and each of which provide excellent performance vs. price value next to supercar royalty like the McLaren F1 and CLK GTR, which have entered a realm of their own.”

Completing an incredible lineup of high-performance supercars set for the Paris sale, are:

  • 2003 Ferrari Enzo, chassis no. 138355. Believed to be the only example finished in Rosso F1 2007 paintwork by Carrozzeria Zanasi, the 8,400-km Enzo also sports painted black wheels with a matching red rim, slightly tinted taillights, and racing harnesses in Rossa fitted to both seats (Est. €1,850,000 – €2,000,000);
  • 2011 Ferrari 599 SA Aperta, chassis no. 181259, the rarest iteration of the 599 GTB as one of only 80 examples built and finished in the desirable Nero over Nero color scheme (Est. €925,000 – €1,050,000);
  • 2017 Ferrari F12tdf, chassis no. 222120, a 2,600-km example of the ultimate front-engined Ferrari supercar, wearing stunning Brunito paint over a special distressed tan leather interior (Est. €825,000 – €950,000);
  • 2012 Bugatti Veyron 16.4 Super Sport, chassis no. 795038, with an additional 200 bhp on tap and finished in a fascinating specification of Chocolate Brown with black exterior accents over a Cognac leather interior (Est. €1,500,000 – €1,700,000);
  • 2015 Porsche 918 Spyder, chassis no. 800394, beautifully outfitted from the factory with desirable options including Liquid Metal Silver finish, Magnesium wheels, and the Weissach package rear spoiler (Est. €950,000 – €1,100,000); and,
  • 2004 Porsche Carrera GT, chassis no. 000171, enjoyed over 25,000 km by a single-owner throughout its life and remaining in ready-to-drive condition (Est. €650,000 – €750,000).

Beyond the supercars on offer, featured final sports and GT entries set for the Paris stage include:

  • 1966 Ferrari 275 GTB/6C Alloy Berlinetta, chassis no. 08311, the first of just eight long-nose, six-carburettor, alloy body, torque-tube examples and recently restored in its original and rare Nero over Beige color scheme. Offered from previous single-family ownership of 36 years, the 275 is matching numbers throughout, Ferrari Classiche certified, and is truly worthy of inclusion in any of the world’s most exclusive Ferrari collections (Est. €3,000,000 – €3,300,000);
  • 1959 BMW 507 Roadster Series II, chassis no. 70241, a highly usable, late-production example upgraded with a five-speed manual transmission (correct four-speed gearbox accompanies the car), equipped with Rudge wheels, factory hardtop, and finished in its original Japan Red (Est. €2,000,000 – €2,200,000); and,
  • 1970 Ferrari Dino 246 GT by Scaglietti, chassis no. 01406, one of just 69 examples delivered in ‘Verde Germoglio’ green. Formerly owned by Dino authority Matthias Bartz and featured in the Dino Compendium book, the Classiche-certified car retains its original chassis, engine, and gearbox (Est. €300,000 – €350,000).

For further information on RM Sotheby’s Paris auction or to view the complete digital catalogue, please visit rmsothebys.com or call +44 (0) 20 7851 7070 to speak with a car specialist.

RM Sotheby’s Paris auction is set for 6 February at Place Vauban, immediately following the Festival Automobile International (31 January – 3 February). This exciting event features a stunning display of beautiful concept cars and pays tribute to car designers from around the world. For further information on Festival Automobile International, please visit www.festivalautomobile.com.

 

 

Finali Mondiali return to Mugello

Posted: 09.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 9 Jan 2019 – This year the Ferrari Finali Mondiali will return to Mugello, where the 2017 edition was held. The event for all Prancing Horse fans and enthusiasts from 24 to 27 October, will see the last races of the three series of the Ferrari Challenge in addition to the sessions of the special XX and F1 Clienti Programmes.

Intense year. The Mugello event will be the final act of a year packed with meetings that kicks off on 15 to 17 February with the Ferrari Challenge Europe, which makes its debut in Bahrain, with exciting night races on the Sakhir track. The North American series starts in Austin on the weekend of 8-10 March, while the Ferrari Challenge Asia-Pacific gets going the following week in Melbourne, alongside the season’s opening Formula 1 Grand Prix. Each championship consists of seven rounds of two races each. In 2019, the new local series, the Ferrari Challenge UK, has a calendar of four meetings with Race-1 on Saturday and Race-2 on Sunday.

F1 Clienti and XX Programmes. The other two Corse Clienti activities, F1 Clienti and XX Programmes, like the Ferrari Challenge Europe, will open their year in Bahrain from 14 to 17 February and will then wend their way around some of the world’s most beautiful tracks, such as Laguna Seca, venue of the North American Ferrari Racing Days, Suzuka and the Nürburgring. The legendary German circuit will host a very special activity for XX Programmes customers who, on Monday 8 July, will have a chance to drive their own laboratory cars on the so-called Green Hell of the Nordschleife, the 20 km plus track that hosted the German Formula 1 Grand Prix until 1976.

 

 

24H Series – The Scuderia Praha Ferrari on track at Dubai

Posted: 09.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Maranello, 9 January 2019 – The 24H Series season starts this weekend with the Dubai 24 Hours. This year’s race marks the start of the 2019 Championship of the Continents: next to the race in the United Arab Emirates as the Asian round of the championship, the best score from the two 24-hour races in Europe, the one in Portimao (5-7 July) and the one in Barcelona (30 August-1 September) as well as the result from the American round, the 24H COTA (15-17 November) are taken into account. To be eligible to score points, teams have to participate to a round on all three continents.

Huge field. In Dubai, a field of almost 80 cars is expected with 57 entries in the GT classes and 22 registrations in the TCE class. A total of 33 different nationalities is represented in the field, an impressive sign of the international status of the event. Interest from the Far East is particularly increasing with no less than 13 drivers from Hong Kong and seven from Japan.

Scuderia Praha. The A6 class for GT3 and similar GT cars is the largest category with 22 cars, including the Czech Ferrari team Bohemia Energy with Scuderia Praha, once again with Jiri Pisarik, Josef Kral and Matteo Malucelli. The Ferrari team was runner-up both in the Teams’ and Drivers’ standings in last year’s European championship.

How to watch. Live streaming in HD quality with commentary from the Radio Show Limited team, well-known from IMSA Radio and Radio Le Mans, is available on the series’ website and Youtube channel as well as Motortrend on Demand. There will also be regular updates on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram (24H Series). Qualifying will be Thursday at 16.15 while the race will start on Friday at 15 local time (12 CET).

 

 

Maurizio Arrivabene is leaving the Scuderia Ferrari

Posted: 07.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Maranello (Italy), January 7 2019 –  After four years of untiring commitment and dedication, Maurizio Arrivabene is leaving the team. The decision was taken together with the company’s top management after lengthy discussions related to Maurizio’s long term personal interests as well as those of the team itself.

Ferrari would like to thank Maurizio for his valuable contribution to the team’s increasing competiveness over the past few years, and wish him the best for his future endeavours.

With immediate effect, Mattia Binotto will take over as Scuderia Ferrari’s Team Principal. All technical areas will continue to report directly to Mattia.

 

 

Ferrari Challenge Europe – Season Review 2018

Posted: 07.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

A glorious year for Nielsen, Froggatt, Hurni and Cuhadaroglu

Maranello, 7 January 2019 – This year saw the 26th season of the Ferrari Challenge Europe, which produced four new champions, again showing the vibrancy of a series that since 1993 has allowed the brand’s sports customers to have some fun on the track.

Trofeo Pirelli. The young Dane Nicklas Nielsen totally dominated the season, sealing the title with a round to spare at Barcelona. Bjorn Grossmann (Octane 126) was the only real challenger to the Formula Racing driver. The experienced German won two races (Race-1 at Silverstone and Race-2 at Misano) but was helpless against his rival’s overwhelming power. During the season Florian Merckx (Baron Motorsport) won Race-1 at Spa-Francorchamps and David Fumanelli (Rossocorsa), triumphed at home in Race-2 at Monza.

Trofeo Pirelli Am. The Trofeo Pirelli Am was also wrapped up early with Briton Chris Froggatt (Ferrari GB-H.R. Owen) collecting 10 wins to seal the deal at Barcelona. Only two drivers successfully deprived him of victory: Jan Danis (Scuderia Praha) in Race-2 at Mugello and the 21-year-old from Octane 126, Fabienne Wohlwend, who won three races in a row, Race-2 at Spa-Francorchamps and the two at Misano.

Coppa Shell. The Coppa Shell was a lot harder fought, with a succession of twists and turns, especially towards the end of the season. Erich Prinoth (Ineco-MP Racing) notched up his first two wins at Mugello, followed by Vladimir Hladik (Baron Motorsport) and Christophe Hurni (Team Zenith Sion-Lausanne). Eric Cheung (Formula Racing) then overtook the Swiss driver in the standings, triumphing in Race-1 at Spa-Francorchamps and then twice at Misano. However, Hurni pulled off a great finale with victories at Brno, Barcelona and Monza, where he clinched the title. We should also mention the two triumphs (Barcelona and Monza) for Manuela Gostner (Ineco-MP Racing) who became increasingly competitive as the season went on.

Coppa Shell Am. In the new Coppa Shell Am class Murat Cuhadaroglu became the second Turk to win a Ferrari Challenge title after Galip Atar in 2017. The Kessel Racing driver slugged it out all-season long with Ingvar Mattsson (Scuderia Autoropa) and Alexander Nussbaumer (Formula Racing). Cuhadaroglu won five times and took the title ahead of Mattsson (three wins) and Nussbaumer who won as many as he did but collected fewer points along the way. Laurent De Meeus (Ferrari GB-H.R. Owen) won Race-1 at Monza, the only one not claimed by one of the three title contenders.

 

 

VLN – Season Review 2018

Posted: 06.01.2019
Source: Ferrari

Racing One tames the Green Hell

Maranello, 6 January 2019 – Stephan Kohler and Christian Kohlhaas, together with Mike Jäger, who missed a round, wrote a page of motorsport history in 2018. The German crew at the wheel of the Ferrari 458 Italia GT3 of Racing One, came third overall in the championship, but dominated the SP8 class of the VLN championship.

One track. This is a very special series consisting of nine rounds, always on the same legendary Nordschleife circuit of the Nürburgring, the so-called Green Hell. Racing One won every race in what was an unprecedented year.

Wochenspiegel Team Monschau. The two Ferrari 488 GT3s of Wochenspiegel Team Monschau also did very well. Car no. 22, in particular, with Georg Weiss, Oliver Kainz and Jochen Krumbach, came out on top five times in the Prestige class to take the title but also finished third twice, in the third and fourth round of the season. On the latter occasion, the Adenauer Rundstrecken Trophy, the Ferrari no. 11 of Leonard Weiss and Christian and Nico Menzel was second.

 

Archives