Finali Mondiali – A perfect end for the Daytona event
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 4 December 2016 – The first edition of the Finali Mondiali ever organized in the United States ended with the exhibition of the Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel. The Daytona track provided a perfect setting and the almost 140 Ferraris that took to the track on the final day made for a unique atmosphere at the legendary Florida circuit.
Success for the auction. Celebrations had begun on Saturday evening, when the biggest parade of Ferraris ever seen on an American track took centre stage, with more than 800 cars driven by their owners. This spectacular moment followed the dinner where CEO Sergio Marchionne, after greeting clients and enthusiasts, invited those in attendance to the charity auction for a unique LaFerrari. The car was sold for the record amount of 7 million U.S. Dollars that will be used for a reconstruction project in the area of central Italy that was struck by the earthquake. “This result reveals the generosity of our clients”, commented Sergio Marchionne.
The importance of USA. Speaking at the end of the press conference of the two Formula 1 drivers, Chairman Marchionne expressed his satisfaction with the Daytona event: “It is no coincidence that the Finali Mondiali were celebrated in the United States. The U.S. is the single largest market for Ferrari vehicles. It’s about time we came here and celebrated with our American customers and fans. This is a phenomenal set-up at Daytona, a great track. I think we need to find a way to make our presence more permanent here.” Meeting with the journalists, Sergio Marchionne also spoke about Formula 1, analysing the team’s situation: “I think the change in August represents the beginning of the refounding of our sport management. We need to give the guys time: they are working very well and we will see what they bring us, but I believe this is the solution. I have utmost faith in Mattia Binotto, for what he has been able to do in his career with Ferrari and what he is doing now managing the technicians.
Remembering 1967. After the meeting with the journalists, Kimi and Sebastian provided a show behind the wheel of the two F60s, demonstrating blinding starts, lightning fast pit stops along with the Scuderia mechanics and of course the traditional burnouts. Before returning to pit lane, the two drove side by side over the finish line in a tribute to the famous parade finish of the three Ferraris at the 1967 24 Hours. The show opened up with a tribute to the Prancing Horse’s other achievement at Daytona in 1998 when the F333 SP was the first to cross the finish line. Seven of these cars paraded on the track to the excitement of the American fans who saw them win so many races in the mid-nineties. Then it was the GT drivers’ turn at the wheel of the 488 and 458 Italia machines in which Christina Nielsen also lapped, newly crowned winner of the IMSA championship in the GT-D class with the 488 GT3.
The Challenge. The three Ferrari single-brand world championship titles had already been awarded respectively to Carlos Kauffmann, of team Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale in the Pirelli Trophy, Sam Smeeth (Stratstone Ferrari) in the Pirelli Pro Trophy and Thomas Loefflad in the Shell Cup (StileF Squadra Corse). The F1 Clienti and Programmi XX clients were also back on the track for the final sessions, once again giving the fans the thrill of seeing in action so many of the single-seaters that have characterized recent years in F1, as well as the powerful FXX K machines, boasting more than one thousand horses and a very sophisticated hybrid technology derived from Formula 1. In 2017, the World Finals will return to Italy at Mugello, but the drivers, enthusiasts and fans will long remember the first American edition of the event organized on the legendary circuit of Daytona.
Ferrari Challenge – Kauffmann, Smeeth and Loefflad world champions
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 4 December 2016 – Sunday offered the fans the perfect end for the Ferrari Challenge at the Daytona Finali Mondiali with the two races that decided the world title providing excitement and a show in all three classes. In the end, the titles went to Carlos Kauffmann (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale), Sam Smeeth (Stratstone Ferrari) and Thomas Loefflad (StileF Squadra Corse).
Trofeo Pirelli. The most exciting race was the Pirelli Trophy, with one surprise after another. Immediately after the start, John Farano triggered an accident that forced race direction to send out the Safety Car. At the restart, Carlos Kauffmann held onto first place, but Bjorn Grossmann and Fabio Leimer wasted no time hunting him down with the 458 Challenge EVO of team Octane 126. About ten minutes from the end, Grossmann managed to overtake Kauffmann and soon afterwards it was Leimer’s turn, although shortly thereafter the Swiss driver was forced to retire by a puncture. In the last lap, the same misfortune befell Grossmann who, already anticipating the taste of champagne, was therefore forced to hand the victory over to Kauffmann. Second place went to Wei Lu, with Ferrari of Vancouver and third to Italian driver Marcello Puglisi (Rossocorsa).
Pirelli Am. In the Pirelli Am Trophy, Sam Smeeth completed the job, bringing home the world champion title in addition to the European title. The team Strastone Ferrari by FF Corse English driver was unrivalled and even finished in third place overall. Smeeth finished ahead of the Swede, Martin Nelson (Scuderia Autoropa), who was therefore able to redeem himself after the disappointment caused by the puncture in Race-1 on Friday, and Russian driver, Vladimir Atoev (Motor Service) who confirmed the talent he had already demonstrated in the Sochi and Jerez de la Frontera races. The SMP Academy student denied the satisfaction of the podium to Chinese driver, Huilin Han (CTF Beijing), who still drove a great race.
Coppa Shell. There was no lack of excitement in the Shell Cup as well, with a unique show on the 31-degree banked parabolic turns. The race was livened up with a three-way duel between Rick Lovat, European champion Thomas Loefflad and Czech driver Vladimir Hladik. Lovat, Saturday’s winner, tried everything to overtake Hladik until the Baron Service driver succeeded in exploiting a mistake made by Loefflad to pass him. Shortly thereafter, however, Hladik also made a mistake, allowing his rivals to overtake him. At that point, the Czech driver mounted a comeback that led to overtaking Lovat again and move into Loefflad’s slipstream. An accident involving Holger Harmsen forced race direction to send out the Safety Car, ending the race. Rick Lovat won the Gentlemen’s Cup, with the Ladies’ Cup going to Corinna Gostner, in twelfth place overall and as on the ball as ever throughout the weekend.
Two worlds meet in Daytona
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Scuderia Ferrari brings F1 to the most famous tri-oval on the planet
Daytona, 4 December – The howl of a Formula 1 engine on the banking (which reaches a maximum incline of 31°) at the World Center of Racing, is something unforgettable. Especially when it’s the first time that these two worlds have come together as part of the Finali Mondiali. For Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel, Daytona was a whole new experience. They couldn’t wait to get on with it, looking forward to the fun of taking to the track with their respective F60s. They discussed it first with their GT driver colleagues and then, in almost summery conditions for December in Florida, they went through the usual routine of the season just ended, putting on their gloves and helmet before heading out on track, running around as a pair and then pitting to change tyres. It was a demonstration run for this American crowd that has always been so important to the Ferrari marque. It was a way of bringing to a close among friends, a Formula 1 season which, in all honesty did not live up to expectations. But the groundwork for a comeback is already in place. “We all felt bad about it” admitted Seb. “We wanted to win, but we didn’t reach our goals. However, I have reasons to believe that in 2017, we will have a much stronger package.” According to the Team Principal, the first steps on this comeback trail were taken a few months ago. “Our 2017 began last August with the major change on the technical front” commented Maurizio. “People expect a lot from Ferrari, wins and success, therefore we will do our utmost to achieve that. Ever since the new structure was put in place, with a great engineer like Mattia Binotto in charge, we have seen positive signs, as in Japan and Abu Dhabi. I am not going to make any predictions, but I know the guys are working very hard and all pulling together.”
When it came to predictions for 2017, Kimi wasn’t prepared to commit himself either: “There is a change to the regulations next year and it’s hard to say who will make the best of it. We have to concentrate on ourselves, because when you are called Ferrari, the expectations are very high.”
166 MM Barchetta, Chassis no 006, wins overall “Best in Show”
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Inaugural Ferrari Classiche Concours at the Finali Mondiali, Daytona International Speedway
04 December, 2016 – Daytona, Florida. Ferrari was honoured to hold the inaugural Ferrari Classiche Concours at the Daytona International Speedwayduring the Finali Mondiali this weekend – the first time for this incredible event in the USA. With 73 of cars entered into the Classiche Concours, the standards were extremely high under IAC/PFA guidelines, with many very rare and special cars on display, such as a 330 P4 Drogo Spider which won the award for “Most Historically Significant Ferrari”.
The award for the “Most Elegant Classiche Certified Ferrari” went to a beautiful 1957 250 GT Cabriolet Pinifarina Spider Series 1, while the award for ” Best of Show Ferrari Classiche Preservation Award” went to an outstanding 1972 365 GTB/4 Daytona.
Two different Ferrari 400 Superamericas each won an award: a 1961 Pininfarina Cabriolet won the “Best of Show Ferrari Classiche Road Ferrari” and a truly exceptional Pininfarina Aerodinamico only 400SA alloy body, also of 1961, which won the “Best Concours Prepared Classiche Ferrari”.
The “Ferrari Classiche Enzo Ferrari” award for the overall “Best in Show” went to long-time Ferrari collectors, Brian and Kimberley Ross for their pristine and seductive 166 MM Touring Barchetta of 1947, chassis no. 006. And fellow Ferrari collector, Phil Bachmann won the award for “(Spirit of Show”), for having brought an amazing (12) cars from his Ferrari collection.
Ferrari unveils the 488 Challenge at the World Finals in Daytona
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 4 December 2016 – The Ferrari World Finals event in Daytona this weekend saw the unveiling of the latest model to join the ranks of Ferrari’s prestigious international Challenge racing series for clients. The 488 Challenge is the sixth model to participate in the one-make series which, in 2017, celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Since the announcement of the racing series in 1992, there have already been over 1000 races, with over 1000 drivers taking part in up to three series organised on three continents. Over the years, the Ferrari Challenge has proved to be an ideal platform for drivers looking to compete in international GT and prototype championships, and an impressive number have gone on to win in Grand-Am, IMSA, the FIA World Endurance Championship, ELMS an even the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 488 Challenge is the first ever turbo-charged model to race and is the most powerful Challenge car ever, powered by the 670 cv 3.9-litre V8 derived from the series production engine that took the overall 2016 International Engine of the Year Award.
Thanks to extensive development of the car’s engine, aerodynamics and chassis, the 488 Challenge reaches new levels of performance, chopping a second off the Fiorano lap time of the preceding 458 Challenge EVO for a new record of 1’15.5”.
Compared to the production 488 GTB V8, the Challenge’s powertrain features specific engine mapping, optimised for racing performance, and shorter gear ratios providing up to an 11.6% increase in acceleration out of turns compared to the naturally-aspirated 458 Challenge EVO. The F1 DCT transmission features a new racing shift strategy which enables the car to accelerate from a standstill to maximum revs in 4th gear in just six seconds. Further improvements include a reduction in overall powertrain weight, with 19.7 kg being shaved off the engine and a further 8.5 kg off the exhaust system.
Ferrari’s patented Slip Slip Angle Control software makes its first ever appearance on a Challenge car, improving the longitudinal acceleration through bends by 4.2%. A further significant development is the decoupling of the manettino function regulating the electronic vehicle dynamic controls. Rather than a single manettino intervening on all aspects of the software, the functions have been separated into two, either side of the steering wheel. The right-hand manettino (TC1) governs the level of intervention required based on the levels of grip, while the left-hand one (TC2) controls the degree of intensity of intervention. The result is a more tailored degree of integration between the driver and the car, governing when and how torque is delivered to the rear wheels and enhancing the performance of the car and the driver’s consistency.
The most noticeable changes to the 488 Challenge compared to the production car regard the aerodynamics. To achieve the technical objective of increasing the car’s aero efficiency while respecting the design, the engineers worked closely with the Ferrari Styling Centre. The front radiator layout was reworked, inverting the rake so that they are now inclined towards the rear. This solution improves the air flow over the radiators in racing conditions whilst, at the same time, reducing drag. The new layout required new vents at the bottom of the bumper ahead of the wheels.
The front bumper itself has been completely redesigned with a more pronounced splitter and flicks to increase downforce and balance the rear load, for a 7% improvement in efficiency compared to the 458 Challenge EVO.
The front bonnet is all new with triple vents and integrated flaps to direct the hot airflow from the radiators rearwards. To increase stability at high speeds, the 488 Challenge features a bigger rear wing, with an air foil similar to that used on the 2016 FIA World Endurance Championship-winning 488 GTE, which alone increases efficiency by 9% compared to the 458 Challenge EVO.
The intakes on the rear flanks now take cooling air to the rear brakes, optimising downforce, while the engine air intakes are now positioned laterally under the rear spoiler, taking advantage of the high pressure generated in this area.
One-of-a-kind LaFerrari raises $7Million to benefit Central Italy
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona Beach, FL (4 December 2016) – Last night, a prized LaFerrari was sold at auction for $7 Million to benefit the reconstruction of Central Italy in the aftermath of the devastating earthquakes of 2016. The auction was held in conjunction with RM Sotheby’s and in collaboration with the National Italian American Foundation’s Earthquake Relief Fund. The price achieved represents a record for the most valuable 21st Century automobile ever sold at auction.
All proceeds from the auction will go toward the reconstruction efforts in the areas affected by the earthquake. RM Sotheby’s has graciously donated their expertise to raise the highest amount possible. The decision to donate a LaFerrari from the company’s own collection for this cause was announced on August 31st 2016 on the occasion of the bilateral talks between the Italian and German governments that took place at the Ferrari factory in Maranello, Italy.
The LaFerrari boasts a unique livery with a distinctly Italian theme: a red exterior with a white dream line on the hood and rear windshield. A small Italian flag on the hood serves as a reminder that this is a gift by Ferrari to its home country. The car will also feature a commemorative plaque.
Impressive gathering of over 800 Ferraris on track at the Daytona International Speedway
Posted: 04.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona Beach, FL 4 December 2016 – Last night during the Ferrari Finali Mondiali weekend at the Daytona International Speedway, an impressive parade of Ferraris gathered to add to the already spectacular weekend. Chairman and CEO Sergio Marchionne was present at the start line as a procession of Prancing Horses spanning the decades drove by. From the newest 488 GTBs, F12berlinettas and California Ts to classics and many, many more; 809 to be exact, an impressive range of cars were on display on the iconic 3.56 mile track. Ferraristi from near and far showed their passion and made a statement to punctuate another packed day of racing spectacles thanks to the Ferrari Challenge, XX Programme and F1 Clienti.
The F333 SPs return “home” – The prototype to start of the Ferrari Show tomorrow
Posted: 03.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 3 December 2016 – The third day of the World Finals underway at Daytona provided new excitement for motorsport history enthusiasts, as well as fans of sport and unique cars like those in the Ferrari XX Programmes.
Born American. This car went into production in 1994 and up to 2000 40 units were made. It was Ferrari’s great return to the Prototype Sport world that the Manufacturer from Maranello had bid farewell in 1973. The car was born with the purpose of being sold to client teams and it was never placed on the grid with a factory team.
Début. The début took place in America on 17 April 1994 in the Road Atlanta 2 Hours. A win came straight away with Jay Cochran and team Euromotorsport. This roadster brought home wins especially in the United States and its most famous triumph remains that of the 1998 Daytona 24 Hours, taken by Giampiero Moretti, Didier Theys, Mauro Baldi and Arie Luyendyk. The latter three will drive the car at the opening of the Ferrari Show on Sunday.
A rich menu. The exhibition will bring together all of Ferrari’s sport activities, in addition to the three that were on centre stage during the four days at the International Speedway. Therefore, behind the 333 SPs, the GT cars will take the track with the newly crowned WEC Manufacturer title winner 488 GTE, and the 458 Italia. Exceptional drivers will be behind the wheel in the cars: James Calado, Davide Rigon, Andrea Bertolini, Giancarlo Fisichella, Toni Vilander, Sam Bird, Christina Nielsen and Alessandro Balzan, 2016 IMSA 2016 champion in the GT-D class.
Grand finale. Concluding the show in the most appropriate way possible will be Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel who, at the wheel of the two F60s, will entertain fans with a series of extremely fast laps, pit stop demonstrations and exceptional burnouts. A must-see show, especially on a track as legendary as Daytona.
Ferrari Challenge Coppa Shell – Lovat, Hodes and Seto win the last race
Posted: 03.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 3 December 2016 – With the second race of the Coppa Shell, the three Ferrari Challenge one-make series championships were concluded at the Daytona International Speedway. The final race treated fans to plenty of unexpected drama that forced race direction to send out the Safety Car on more than one occasion.
Coppa Shell Europe. There were more than forty cars on the grid on the first afternoon at the International Speedway for a race that proved to be a spectacular one with great duels. Performing particularly well was Rick Lovat (Kessel Racing), who unleashed the grit that had earned him victory in January, when the Speedway race was the venue for the Daytona 24 Hours. The Italian-Canadian, who has now taken home the over-55 drivers’ Coppa Gentlemen, beat Vladimir Hladik, in the spotlight again after his win at Le Mans, and Fons Scheltema (Kessel Racing) who, in addition to the third place trophy, also received an Amalgam model of his 458 Challenge EVO as an award for having the best livery of the season, a design that has by now become famous with the shark teeth on the front, always a distinctive trait of “The Shark” in the race.
Coppa Shell APAC. With champion Liang Wang absent and Hu Nan substituting for him today in the CTF Beijing car, Japanese driver Ken Seto was the surprise of the day, getting the upper hand in the Asia Pacific championship. The Rosso Scuderia Tokyo driver literally dominated the race, finishing with a gap of more than five seconds ahead of Min Xiao and more than 15 ahead of Hu Nan.
Coppa Shell North America. Another somewhat unexpected win was taken by Rob Hodes (Ferrari of Washington), who dominated the scene in a race fraught with accidents ahead of Barry Zekelman (Ferrari of Ontario) and Tim Demore, in his first time participating in the Ferrari Challenge 2016 season. The championships are over and now all the drivers can focus on the last event of the season, the one with the two single races that will decide the 2016 world champions.
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli – Weiland and Jin champions in the final sprint
Posted: 03.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 3 December 2016 – It was the second day of races for the Ferrari Challenge at the Finali Mondiali with the last two titles awarded, in the North America and Asia Pacific Trofeo Pirelli Am. James Weiland (Boardwalk Ferrari) and Xin Jin (Prestige Harbin) are the new continental champions. After the Friday evening show, on Saturday the races were held in the daylight, which was still a fabulous show for the fans in the stands, in the infield and in the Fan Zones of the Daytona track, the site of the first ever Ferrari Finali Mondiali in North America.
Trofeo Pirelli Am North America. In the North America Pirelli Am Trophy, the title went to James Weiland who skilfully managed his race strategy. Weiland, who had taken the lead back in Race-1 with a three-point gap ahead of Steve Johnson, decided not to take any risks, opting to stay in his rival’s slipstream for the entire race. Johnson, on the other hand, was unable to put any other rivals between himself and his adversary, who therefore took the title by a single point. The win went to Arthur Romanelli (The Collection) who celebrated on the podium with his brother, Gregory, who was injured at Lime Rock but already well on his way to recovery. Second place went to Marc Muzzo (Ferrari of Ontario).
Pirelli Am APAC. The other title that had still not been awarded was the Asian-Pacific Pirelli Am, where Xin Jin started with an advantage. The Chinese Prestige Harbin driver was therefore able to settle for a third place finish, leaving the glory of the win to one of his adversaries, Huilin Han with team CTF Beijing, who finished ahead of his teammate and compatriot, Yanbin Xing. It was a difficult race for Eric Cheung (Auto Italia Hong Kong), who was the third driver in the hunt for the title. The Canadian had an off-track excursion and was forced to drive a comeback race.
Pirelli Am Europe. In the European class, fans were treated to another victory by this season’s absolute dominator, Sam Smeeth (Stratstone Ferrari), who put on a spectacular show, making several outside passes on the infield corners. John Farano (Rossocorsa) took second place and third place in the overall standings behind his teammate, Tommaso Rocca. Third and fourth place went to the two Scuderia Autoropa standard-bearers, Henrik Hedman and Martin Nelson.
Pirelli North America. The first driver under the chequered flag today was Italy’s Daniel Mancinelli, who was at the wheel of the Gregory Romanelli The Collection car. The Italian driver did an excellent job taking home the win, initially fending off attacks by Cooper MacNeil (Ferrari of Beverly Hills) and Carlos Kauffmann (Ferrari of Ft. Lauderdale) who were then left alone to battle it out for second place. The two overtook one another several times and in the end, the newly crowned North American champion had to settle for a third place finish.
Pirelli APAC. In the APAC Ferrari Challenge, Florian Merckx (Baron Service) finished the season with his sixth consecutive win, legitimizing his victory in the championship standings in the best possible way. Steve Wyatt (Barbagallo) stayed in second place for a long time before a spinout forced him to settle for third place behind Renaldi Hutasoit (Ferrari Jakarta).
Pirelli Europe. In the European series, fans watched Bjorn Grossmann (Octane 126) rescue his race, having no trouble overcoming the competition after consistent qualifying. The celebration was rounded out by his teammate, Fabio Leimer, who made a great comeback, overtaking Alessandro Vezzoni (Rossocorsa-Pellin Racing), who was still able to take home his third podium of the season after the ones at Le Mans and Jerez de la Frontera.
Ferrari GTC4 Lusso T Australasian Premiere Sydney, Australia
Posted: 03.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Ferrari Australasia hosted the Australasian premiere for the new GTC4Lusso T at the renowned Italian restaurant, Bar Machiavelli, in Rushcutters Bay, Sydney.
Bar Machiavelli is housed in the historic former tyre factory on Neild Avenue, and is the younger expression of Sydney’s renowned, older and well known Machiavelli Restaurant – owned by the same family. As such, it was a fitting venue to host the Australasian premiere of the GTC4Lusso T – the newest member of the Ferrari family.
Tables dressed with hundreds of red roses surrounded the GTC4Lusso T which was parked inside the restaurant. The vehicle had been driven in through a front window and parked in the middle of the restaurant, allowing it to be the centrepiece of the event.
Media guests enjoyed an Italian-inspired breakfast while Ferrari clients later enjoyed an intimate lunch specifically designed by the venue. Bar Machiavelli served a classic Italian spread of dishes and drinks, including a rotating selection of antipasti and house made pasta, as well as a selection of wine that expressed the contrasting regionality of Italian viniculture.
The launch was attended by influential guests such as award winning architect Kelvin Ho and entrepreneurs Justin Jameson and Tom Waterhouse.
Impressive FXX K on Daytona’s banks
Posted: 02.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 2 December 2016 – The Finali Mondiali at the Daytona International Speedway are in full swing. If the first day’s queen was Formula 1 – with ten cars running for the first time in public on Daytona’s 31° parabolic curves – today’s attention was all on FXX K.
The Queen. The latest creation of the XX Programmes did not fail to monopolise the attention of the viewers: amazing beauty, an extraordinary powerful technology and over 1,000 horsepower, partly provided by the 6-liter V12 engine and partly by the hybrid system directly taken from Formula 1 vehicles.
The Others. XX Programmes it’s not only FXX K, that was unveiled during Abu Dhabi’s Finali Mondiali in 2014. There are three more cars related to this activity: the FXX – first of the XX Programmes – the 599XX and the 599XX EVO.
Intense Saturday. The special drivers of F1 Clienti and XX Programmes will be back on track on Saturday to inaugurate the day with their own Formula 1 cars. Around mid-morning, it will be the turn of the XX Programmes.
Ferrari Challenge Coppa Shell – Wins for Loefflad, Keegan and Wang
Posted: 02.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 2 December 2016 – Two champions confirmed and great performance by one of the biggest talents of the Ferrari Challenge North America: this is how the first day of the Coppa Shell races of the Finali Mondiali held in Daytona can be summed up.
Coppa Shell Europe. A total of forty-four cars got away under the spotlights of the Daytona International Speedway and immediately put on a number of duels, making clear how competitive Ferrari’s one-make series is. Rick Lovat took the lead at the first corner, also building on January’s successful experience in the North American series. The European champion Thomas Loefflad (StileF Squadra Corse) was, however, stuck to the wheels of the Canadian driver of the Kessel Racing team, and restarting after the second Safety Car he managed to surprise Lovat with a great infield overtake. Third place went to Vladimir Hladik (Baron Service).
Coppa Shell APAC. In the Asia-Pacific championship, Liang Wang (CTF Beijing) dominated the race, ahead – although not without suffering – of the winner of this season’s Coppa Gentlemen, the Australian Paul Montague (Barbagallo), as well as the Chinese driver Min Xiao, the other member of CTF Beijing team.
Coppa Shell North America. The only series which was not won by the 2016 champion was North America, where Matt Keegan (Ferrari of San Francisco), after a great performance during qualifying, won the race and confirmed his primacy. The winner of the championship, Joe Courtney (Miller Motor Cars), was instead forced to settle with a fourth place, behind a Jean-Claude Saada (Boardwalk Ferrari) in great shape, and a surprising Rob Hodes (Ferrari of Washington).
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli – Kauffmann and Merckx won the title
Posted: 02.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 2 December 2016 – First day of competition for the Ferrari Challenge at the Finali Mondiali held in Daytona, with two titles awarded, the Trofeo Pirelli North America and the Trofeo Pirelli Asia-Pacific. Carlos Kauffmann (Ferrari of Ft Lauderdale) and Florian Merckx (Baron Service) are the new continental champions.
Trofeo Pirelli North America. The view of over forty cars at the start was great, with two of the hosts in command of operations. Carlos Kauffmann took the lead over Cooper MacNeil and his Ferrari of Beverly Hills teammate, Martin Fuentes. The Venezuelan driver won the title and the race ahead of MacNeil and Rusty Wallace, the guest star of this year’s Finali Mondiali at his first race on a Prancing Horse car.
Trofeo Pirelli APAC. Another title was mathematically awarded in this first day of the Finali Mondiali: that of the APAC series that went to Florian Merckx, driver of the Baron Service team. The Belgian driver led the race from the start, managing to precede Steve Wyatt and the biggest rival for the title, the Indonesian Renaldi Hutasoit. For Merckx, this is the fifth consecutive win after the two victories in Singapore and Fuji. For him it is a well-deserved title, achieved after an overwhelming second part of the championship.
Trofeo Pirelli Europe. The European series of the Trofeo Pirelli saw a very heated duel inside the Rossocorsa team. An extraordinary Philipp Baron won the race, overtaking, after finishing off the track in a first attempt, Marcello Puglisi, who seemed destined, after the victory at Le Mans, to also add Daytona to his palmares. The duel for the third place was also great, and was won, right at the finish line, by champion Bjiorn Grossmann (Octane 126). The German was able to catch up the larger number of positions lost due to bad qualifying and get in front of Alessandro Vezzoni (Rossocorsa-Pellin Racing) just when the latter seemed to have reached a third place.
Pirelli Am North America. During the Trofeo Pirelli Am North America we have seen the overtake of James Weiland, which ruled the roost by beating the rival Steve Johnson and stepping ahead of him on the scoreboard. Once again, the third place was awarded during the last lap, and went to Joel Weinberger (Continental Autosport) who slipped in front of Arthur Romanelli (The Collection).
Pirelli Am APAC. In the Ferrari Challenge APAC, Huilin Han emerged at the wheel of the 458 Challenge EVO (part of the CTF Beijing Team), reopening competition in the championship that will be won either by him, his compatriot Xin Jin (Prestige Harbin) or the veteran Eric Cheung (Auto Italia Hong Kong), now in his 114th race on the 458 Challenge EVO where he arrived third, after going off track early in the race.
Pirelli Am Europe. The European series showed us the ninth victory of Sam Smeeth (Stratstone Ferrari), author of a truly perfect season. The British driver rushed ahead of the Swede Henrik Hedman (Scuderia Autoropa) and John Farano, who was great overtaking his teammate in the Rossocorsa team, Tommaso Rocca, in the closing laps. Tomorrow at 12:35 the second and final championship races, before Sunday’s World Final race.
Ferrari and Motorsport.com to offer streaming and contents from Finali Mondiali
Posted: 02.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 2 December 2016 – Ferrari and the multimedia company Motorsport.com will collaborate for the 2016 Ferrari Finali Mondiali to take place this weekend at the Daytona International Speedway in order to offer fans worldwide a complete coverage of the event.
During the long weekend the final races of the three Ferrari Challenge series will take place – Europe, North America and Asia-Pacific – to determine the 2016 champions.
Additionally, for the first time in history, F1 cars will run on the 31-degree banking, while on Saturday the greatest Ferrari road car parade will take place giving the fans at the Speedway an sight. Sunday’s trackside festivities includes the Ferrari show, which will feature current F1 stars Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel in demonstrations of pit stops, fast laps and shows for the crowd, but also the F333 SP that won the 24 Hours race in 1998 piloted by winning drivers Didier Theys, Arie Luyendyk, Mauro Baldi and the late Giampiero Moretti.
Through this collaboration the fans near and far will have the chance to follow the event with day-by-day reports from the track and exclusive video contents like 360 camera views and special interviews with the guest stars that will enjoy the first Finali Mondiali held in North America.
FDA – First steps in GP2 for Leclerc and Fuoco
Posted: 02.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
A three day familiarisation session with the Prema team
Maranello, 2 December – The three day GP2 Series test ended today at the Yas Marina circuit. The session in Abu Dhabi marked the debuts of Charle Leclerc and Antonio Fuoco at the wheel of a GP2 car run by the Prema team, for whom both men will drive next year, when they make their debut in the category. Both Fuoco and Leclerc made no mistakes while doing long runs and qualifying simulations. The two Ferrari Driver Academy students completed over 150 laps each over the course of the three days. Leclerc’s best time was a 1.49.092, while Fuoco stopped the clocks in 1.49.345.
The session brought the curtain down on the 2016 GP2 and GP3 series. Track action starts up again in February with the first test session in preparation for the 2017 championships.
Finali Mondiali – F1 cars on the Daytona banks for the first time ever
Posted: 01.12.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 1 December 2016 – Ferrari has written a new page in the history of motorsports: just past 10 am in Florida when the F1 Clienti single-seaters entered the legendary Daytona Speedway for their first public appearance in history. Drivers were initially cautious, but they rapidly became comfortable with the high-speed curves and 31-degree banks. The roar of engines being pushed to the limit filled the speedway as the single-seaters raced along the track, one of the international temples of automobile racing.
A four-day event. The unique event officially kicked off the first Finali Mondiali ever hosted in America. Fans and enthusiasts will be fully immersed in the Ferrari universe throughout the four-day event, and will even get a chance to see XX Programme vehicles on the track, including the FXX K and its 1,000 hp engine. The schedule includes a full 10 races for the Ferrari Challenge, including the final rounds of the three series and the two races for World Champion.
Kimi and Sebastian. The ultimate event is scheduled for Sunday and will feature Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel in a thrilling lunchtime performance. GT vehicles and the F333 SP will build up to the grand finale featuring the Scuderia’s two official drivers. Two Ferrari F60s will be used by Kimi and Sebastian for high-speed laps, pit stop simulations and heat-stopping skids before they commemorate the grand triumph at the 24 Hours in 1967 by parading across the finish line.
The Ferrari range on display. Those spending the weekend at the Daytona International Speedway will see vehicles both on the track and in the Fan Zone. The public will practically be within reach of the vehicles and drivers as they admire the many cars on display, including the new LaFerrari Aperta and the Green Jewel version of the 488 GTB; the special green livery is one of the 70 liveries celebrating 70 years of Ferrari. Some of the most iconic vehicles from Maranello will be on display at the Officina Classiche. Exclusive gadgets will also be on sale at the Ferrari Store set up for the event.
Last born. On Sunday, the other cars on display will be joined by the new 488 Challenge, which will be unveiled Saturday night at a gala dinner. The sports berlinetta developed for the world’s most famous single-make championship will have a turbo engine and will race alongside the 458 Challenge EVO currently being used for the three series of the championship.
Finali Mondiali – More than 130 Ferrari cars on track at Daytona from Thursday
Posted: 30.11.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 30 Nov 2016 – The first Ferrari Finali Mondiali held in the United States opens on Thursday at the legendary track in Daytona. It brings with it four days of exclusivity, passion and motorsport that only Ferrari can offer.
Formula 1 on the banking. One of the most anticipated and highly symbolic moments of this edition of the Finali Mondiali is the drive by of Formula 1 cars on the 31-degree inclined parabolic curves. The first of these historic events will take place on Thursday at 10 am, with a session for F1 Clienti, Ferrari’s exclusive activities that allow lucky fans to take to the track in the cars that were driven by champions such as Michael Schumacher, Felipe Massa and Fernando Alonso during their years as official Scuderia drivers.
The Kimi and Sebastian show. However, the biggest show will be on Sunday when Kimi Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel join the party providing thrills and excitement in their lunchtime exhibition. The two official Scuderia drivers take to the track after the GTs and the F333 SPs to bring the Finali Mondiali to its grand finale. The pair, at the wheel of two F60s, will perform fast laps, simulated pit stops, thrilling tyre changes and will cross the finish line in tandem to recall the legendary clean sweep in the 24 Hours of 1967.
More than 1000 horses on just four wheels. Also at 12 pm on the first day we will see the cars of the XX Programmes with the FXX, 599XX, 599XX EVO and, above all, the FXX K which packs a punch of over 1000 hp. Customers will receive the exclusive advice of great drivers like Marc Gené, Giancarlo Fisichella and Andrea Bertolini who will help them familiarise themselves with the American track, and its walls, and bring out the best from their extraordinary cars.
Free practices. On track aside from the racing part of the event, the 458 Challenge EVOs will take part in a series of practice sessions to familiarise newbies to Daytona, a track that may appear easy but actually has hidden dangers. The 45-minute practice sessions will also allow drivers who already know the circuit to hone their preparation. This is certainly the case for Rusty Wallace, the NASCAR champion making his debut in the Ferrari Challenge, testing himself in the most competitive class, the Trofeo Pirelli.
Not only track. The fans at the circuit will enjoy track activities but more besides. As never before, the public can almost touch the cars and drivers when strolling around the beautiful Fan Zone at the Daytona International Speedway. All the cars in the range will be on display, including the newest LaFerrari Aperta and GTC4Lusso T, while the Officina Classiche will offer children and adults the chance to take a dip into the past with a look at some of the cars that have made Ferrari unique. Then of course there’s the store, to make a day at the Finali Mondiali even more special.
Last born. On Sunday, the other cars on display will be joined by the new 488 Challenge, which will be unveiled on Saturday night at a gala dinner. The sports berlinetta developed for the world’s most famous single-make championship will have a turbo engine and next season will race alongside the still stunning 458 Challenge EVO.
Finali Mondiali – The F333 SP back on track at Daytona
Posted: 29.11.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 29 Nov 2016 – The F333 SP, will be back this weekend in one of the places that made it legendary. This queen of the track won the 24 Hours of Daytona in 1998 and indeed achieved its most prestigious triumphs in America where the first edition of the Finali Mondiali will kick-off on Thursday.
Nine specimens. There will be nine of these cars on show, a record contingent that will thrill fans and allow the customers driving them to taste the sensations of that historic victory, which came a little over 30 years after the famous clean sweep of 1967, when Ferrari took all three podium places. The “barchette”, first built in 1994 with the aim of propelling Ferrari customer teams to victory, will also be the stars of the show on Sunday when three of the four triumphant heroes of 1998 will again take to the track.
The trio. Three-quarters of the quartet starring in that historic victory 28 years ago will be guests of the Finali Mondiali: Dutchman Arie Luyendyk, who is also a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500, Belgian Didier Theys and Italian Mauro Baldi, a former Formula 1 driver and the winner of a Sports Prototype World Championship title in 1990. The F333 SP is one of the most successful Ferraris of all time and has a special place in the history of the Prancing Horse, marking Maranello’s return to the prototypes category after a 25-year absence. The car debuted by winning in 2 Hours of Road Atlanta on 17 April 1994 thanks to Jay Cochran and the Euromotorsport team.
Intense programme. The American public will enjoy a full and complete show during the four days of Daytona: on the track, on the legendary 31-degree parabolic curves, as well as in the paddock. One of the main attractions is Formula 1, which will hold its first ever race at Daytona. The F1 Clienti cars will be the first out on the Florida asphalt while official Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, will star on Sunday, present at the event along with team principal Maurizio Arrivabene and all the other Ferrari drivers. The track will also host the cars of XX Programmes, including the 1000 hp plus FXX K along and the last races of the three series of the Ferrari Challenge, the most famous one-make series in the world.
Paddock and Fan Zone. In the paddock however the whole range will be on display, including the GTC4Lusso T and the LaFerrari Aperta, the cars unveiled at the last Paris Motor Show, while the Fan Zone will display some of the livery celebrating 70 years of Ferrari as well as the 488 GTE and GT3. Saturday will see the unveiling of the 488 Challenge, a new turbo car for the single-make series, which will debut in the 25th season of the championship. This memorable day will close with the biggest parade of Ferraris ever seen on an American track.
Finali Mondiali – Eighty-nine 458 Challenge EVOs on track at Daytona
Posted: 24.11.2016
Source: Ferrari
Daytona, 24 Nov 2016 – We are now just one week away from the Finali Mondiali, which for the first time will take place in the United States on the legendary Daytona track. The Ferrari Challenge will begin on Friday, with the final two races of the three championships due on Friday and Saturday.
Twenty-three titles. Eighty-nine 458 Challenge EVOs will do battle on track with drivers who have a total of 23 titles between them. Five of these have two wins to their name: veteran Eric Cheung, who this season has raced in all three ona-make single, Steve Wyatt, the reigning Trofeo Pirelli APAC champion, Ricardo Perez De Lara, the star of North America series, Bjorn Grossmann, the two-time European champion and Alessandro Vezzoni, reigning world champion in the Trofeo Pirelli Am who moved to the top category in 2016.
The veterans. Cheung also boasts the record number of appearances in the 458 Challenge EVO and next season will drive the new 488, due to be unveiled at Daytona. The Canadian has driven it in 113 races. Dutchman Fons Scheltema has started 87 while the star of the North America series, Al Hegyi is on 81, one more than Wyatt, and 10 ahead of of Yanbin Xing, the Chinese ace in the APAC series.
Programme. The first Trofeo Pirelli race, valid for all the championships, will be held on Friday at 5:50 pm local time (11:50 pm CET) followed by the Coppa Shell at 7.50 pm (1.50 am CET). On Saturday Race-2 of the Trofeo Pirelli will be at 12:35 pm (4:35 pm CET) while the Coppa Shell will be held at 2:35 pm (8:35 pm CET). Three world titles will be at stake in the two races on Sunday: the Coppa Shell at 9:30 am (3:30 pm CET) and the Trofeo Pirelli at 11.45 am (5:45 pm CET).
Finali Mondiali – NASCAR star Rusty Wallace races in the Challenge
Posted: 20.11.2016
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 20 Nov 2016 – NASCAR and Ferrari will combine for a great show on the legendary Daytona track. From 1 to 4 December, the famous Florida tri-oval will be the site of the final act of the Ferrari season. Almost 150 Prancing Horse cars are expected on the track, including 13 Formula 1 cars, 36 cars of the XX Programmes and 87 458 Challenge EVOs for six races in the one-make races.
NASCAR star. An exceptional guest will take the wheel of a Ferrari of Houston team car: the 1989 NASCAR Sprint Cup champion, Rusty Wallace, a driver who fired up American crowds and who is still a testimonial for the series and, in particular, the Daytona track. Wallace has accepted the most difficult challenge of all. He will race in the North America series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, which features the best drivers in the US single-make competition.
Intense programme. The American public will enjoy a full and complete show during the four days of Daytona: on the track, on the legendary 31-degree parabolic curves, as well as in the paddock. One of the main attractions is Formula 1, which will hold its first ever race at Daytona. The F1 Clienti cars will be the first out on the Florida asphalt while official Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen, will star on Sunday, present at the event along with team principal Maurizio Arrivabene and all the other Ferrari drivers. The track will also host the cars of XX Programmes, including the 1000 hp plus FXX K along with nine F333 SPs, the “barchetta” built by Ferrari in the mid nineties to return to victory among the prototypes and that in 1998 triumphed in the legendary 24 hours of Daytona, 31 years after the clean sweep of 1967.
Paddock and Fan Zone. In the paddock however the whole range will be on display, including the GTC4Lusso T and the LaFerrari Aperta, the cars unveiled at the last Paris Motor Show, while the Fan Zone will display some of the livery celebrating 70 years of Ferrari as well as the 488 GTE and GT3. Saturday will see the unveiling of the 488 Challenge, a new turbo car for the single-make series, which will debut in the 25th season of the championship. This memorable day will close with the biggest parade of Ferraris ever seen on an American track.
Finali Mondiali – Vettel and Raikkonen on track at Daytona
Posted: 02.11.2016
Source: Ferrari
Maranello, 2 Nov – Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen will drive Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars on the parabolic curves of the legendary Daytona track at the Finali Mondiali.
Unforgettable show. Sebastian and Kimi will be among the stars of the Ferrari Show on the Sunday, when the Scuderia will perform pit stops, lightning accelerations and thrilling laps on the 31-degree parabolic curves. Scuderia Ferrari Team Principal Maurizio Arrivabene, will also be there along with other official Ferrari drivers, testers and the competitors in the most important European and American GT championships.
Global event. This year’s Ferrari Finali Mondiali will take place in America from December 1 – 4th for the first time after previously being held in Italy, Valencia and Abu Dhabi. The event, which closes the Ferrari sporting season, will also include the last races of the three Ferrari Challenge series and the awarding of the continental and world titles, as well as the entertainment offered by F1 Clienti and XX Programmes whose FXX K offers an output of more than 1000 hp. A show not to be missed in one of Ferrari’s favourite countries.
Finali Mondiali, first time in Daytona
Posted: 21.10.2016
Source: Ferrari
The F1 cars and the other Ferraris on the legendary tri-oval on Dec 1-4
Maranello, 21 October 2016 – The Ferrari F1 cars on the legendary Daytona International Speedway high banks for the first time in history. It will happen at the Daytona Finali Mondiali, the first to be held in the Americas, from 1 to 4 December. This four day Ferrari extravaganza is dedicated to clients, supporters, and all Prancing Horse fans. Only Ferrari can deliver this thrilling mix of excitement, entertainment and exclusivity. Sports, passion, and competition combine with the unmistakable attraction of the historic Formula 1 cars and the incredible power and beauty of the XX Programmes cars. The FXX, the 599XX, and the FXX K, the latest creation for this series, will enthrall spectators with their design, power and leading-edge technology. The hybrid system of the FXX K, derived directly from the experience acquired by the Scuderia in Formula 1 is particularly noteworthy. These are just some of the elements that will enrich the programme, which will conclude the finals of the racing season of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli with the last races in the three series: Europe, North America, and Asia-Pacific.
The Challenge WC race. Then, on Sunday, a record number of 458 Challenge EVOs will take to the track in pursuit of the coveted world championship title. Expectations are also high also for the Formula 1 show: Scuderia Ferrari will put on a display with its mechanics and drivers at centre stage to demonstrate pit stops, mind-boggling accelerations, and top-speed laps on the legendary Daytona tri-oval, where Ferrari Formula 1 cars will flash past its famous parabolic turns for the first time. The Competizioni GT cars will also be on the track, after participating throughout the year in the most prestigious championships. The official GT drivers will join the Daytona celebrations: the WEC stars who race on the 488 GTE, “Gimmi” Bruni, James Calado, Sam Bird, and Davide Rigon. The IMSA championship drivers Toni Vilander and Giancarlo Fisichella will also be there.
The parade. Another highlight of the event will take place on Saturday evening. There will be a great Ferrari parade, possibly one of the biggest ever seen. Hundreds of models from all eras will be seen lapping one of the most iconic circuits in the world. An unforgettable sight to behold!
In the paddock. To top things off, a myriad of activities and exhibits are planned in and around the paddock. There will be an area devoted to junior Ferrari fans, the Ferrari Store, and a display of the complete road car range, including the brand new GTC4Lusso T and LaFerrari Aperta which were unveiled only a few weeks ago at the Paris Motor Show. Furthermore, clients and aficionados will have the chance to take a sneak peak at a handful of the 70 limited-edition liveries created to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Prancing Horse. These designs, conceived by Ferrari’s Tailor Made atelier, are contemporary interpretations of iconic liveries from Ferrari’s past.