Driver's Notebook: Up to the Challenge
August 1, 2006
There have been serious untruths in advertising when it comes to supreme motoring experiences and ultimate driving machines.
Truth is, only a scant few of either come close to being
ultimate. That’s because the absolute of sense-datum involving a driver and the
perfect motoring device is defined by any one of four semiprivate driving
courses conducted by Ferrari. These corsi di guida are held at Ferrari’s
historic road car and F/1 test circuit at Fiorano, Michael Schumacher’s sandbox
away from competition weekends, located nearby Maranello and the Ferrari
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Even without sponsor decals, there would be no
mistaking the intent of plastic windows, center locking wheels, and a race-tuned
exhaust. (Click image to enlarge)
Historic? Near trackside is a small, red and white, century-old farmhouse that is a two-story there was ever a compelling argument for buying a Ferrari it is this: All students must be Ferrari owners.
And now this supreme motoring experience aboard these ultimate driving machines is coming to North America—to Quebec’s Circuit Mont-Tremblant, an active F/1 track in ski country 75 miles northwest of Montreal. This school, only in basic Fiorano form, runs from mid-June to October, and duplicates the Italian one at a cost of $8,200 (including hotel and meals).
"As we develop alumni, we will evolve into the more advanced courses," explains Toscan Bennett, director of public relations for Ferrari North America. "But for the time being, as with all our driving courses, Ferrari requires that you take it one step at a time."
And as the program expands, so does Ferrari’s business plan to involve its owners in driving fast, enjoying their machines fully, and eventually sensing the soul, even the raison d’être of a company that appears to be saturated by motorsports while building street cars as a hobby.
"Fifteen years ago, everything was completely different," says Antonio Ghini, director of communications and brand management for Ferrari. Enzo Ferrari was dead. Listless management, aged facilities, and spotty product quality were systemic. A return to racing and the subsequent recovery of Ferrari’s world driving and manufacturing championships secured the company’s direction. "The reorganization of our company is complete. We have good efficiency in Formula One, good efficiency in production, good efficiency in merchandising."
Only one facet remained: stirring and sharing the passion. "To some, driving a Ferrari is a dream, and just driving a Ferrari is enough," continues Ghini. "Others ask, ‘Why can’t I go to Maranello for a driving course?’ We understand this because we are passionate. Racing is something we have inside; it is part of our life. This we must share with our clients."
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