Ferrari makes a different
contribution to the 35th edition of the Bologna Motor Show with a stand devoted
entirely to its racing activities plus an intense track program.
The
458 Challenge also makes its world debut at the Bolognese event. This mid-rear
V8 berlinetta is derived from the 458 Italia and is the fifth model used by
Ferrari in its single-series racing program. The latter is currently split
into Italian, European and North American championships which will be flanked
next year by the new Asia-Pacific series. With the new 458 Challenge, Ferrari
puts an exceptional combination of extreme performance, superb fun behind the
wheel and unique driving emotions at the finger-tips of its sporting,
professional and gentleman-driver clients.
Also on the stand is the F430
GTC owned by the AF Corse team, one of the cars with which the Maranello marque
won the Constructors' title in the GT2 class of the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup
2010.
The Prancing Horse's line-up of track models is completed by the
FXX and 599XX laboratory cars, each of which has its own eponymous research and
development program involving in-depth collaboration between Ferrari
technicians and client test-drivers. At the very center of the stand is the
F60, the single-seater the Scuderia Ferrari Marlboro fielded in the 2009 Formula
1 World Championship season.
A rich and varied program is planned for
the competition arena in Area 48 with the classic end-of-year battle between the
drivers of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, now in its 18th season,
dominating the action. No less than 16 cars from the Italian and European series
will be taking each other on in a three-round competition on Wednesday, December
8th. However, the high point of the program will be the Formula 1 exhibition
with which Luca Badoer will bring his extraordinary 13-year career as the
Scuderia Ferrari's official test-driver to an end. He'll put an F60 through its
paces and a simulated pit-stop, as a farewell homage to the tifosi and
enthusiasts present.