FERRARI CHALLENGE TROFEO PIRELLI 2008 SEASON   -  MONZA – 28-30 MARCH 2008

Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB fields 4 cars for first race at Monza

The 2008 season for the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, Europe’s most exclusive single-make racing series for Ferrari clients and enthusiasts, kicks off at Monza this weekend, with a full race programme at the famed Italian race circuit, home of the Italian Grand Prix since the race moved there from Brescia in 1922. The first race of the season promises to be an exciting and thrilling demonstration of the racing dynamics of the Ferrari F430 Challenge race car, and the incredibly competitive Ferrari clients from all over Europe who compete in this series which is managed by Ferrari’s own “Corse Clienti” racing division.

The UK is represented by four drivers who compete as part of the Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB, with the full support of Ferrari GB and the Ferrari GB dealer network. Last year’s race winners, Jamie Constable and Mike Cantillon, compete under the Team Vertu Racing banner, with cars in a special livery dedicated to Vertu, the premium luxury mobile phone manufacturer whose products encapsulate the very finest hand-craftsmanship and technology that is inspired by exquisite watches and jewellery – and, of course, Ferrari. Jamie competes in Car 127 and Mike drives Car 128. Both drivers expect to repeat their several successes of last year, with several podiums and race wins in the ultra-competitive Coppa Shell category which is reserved for “gentleman” drivers.

The Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB’s two other entries are Car 129, driven by Yannick Mallegol and Jean-Marc Bachelier, a regular entry to the Ferrari Challenge throughout 2007, and Car 126, driven by Jack Gerber, a Ferrari client who has progressed through the Fiorano Ferrari driving experience programme, operated by Ferrari GB exclusively for Ferrari clients in the UK. Both Yannick/Jean-Marc and Jack anticipate a strong showing at Monza as they kickstart their 2008 campaign at a circuit with which they are both familiar.

Ferrari GB will also be hosting several representatives from the Ferrari GB dealer network throughout the weekend, with exclusive pit and paddock access and unrivalled hospitality from Team Vertu Racing. This hospitality is reserved exclusively for VIP guests of Ferrari and the team’s partners at each round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. The next round of the championship is at Silverstone from 18-20 April, when the Ferrari Challenge drivers will have the chance to mingle with the FIA GT drivers who will also be racing at the Northamptonshire circuit during the same weekend.

The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli

It was in 1993 with the Ferrari 348 Berlinetta that the Ferrari Challenge first took to the race tracks of the world. With the development of the F355 and then the outstanding 360 Challenge, the series has grown to take in three championships: the USA, Europe and a dedicated Italian series. All of which offer the chance for clients to enjoy the unique sensation of being a Ferrari racing driver with the full support of factory trained technicians and race crew.

The racing follows the format of any professional race series with a three-day meeting around a weekend. There are two distinct classes within the Ferrari Challenge: the Trofeo Pirelli for the more experienced drivers and the Coppa Shell for those who are new to racing.

In the European Championship, there are seven weekend race meetings on some of the most challenging and iconic race circuits: Monza, Silverstone, Paul Ricard, Misano, Budapest, Nürburgring and at the World Finals in Italy (location TBC).

Each race weekend starts on Friday with free practice and qualifying and includes 40 minute races on both Saturday and Sunday, allowing time for the drivers to relax and enjoy the luxury of their surroundings – this is a Ferrari event after all.

The latest technology on the cars, the best pit crews with the most sophisticated equipment, the most enthusiastic Ferrari owners driving the most modern F430 Challenge cars on the finest racing circuits can only mean one thing - The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is in town. 

Race Calendar

ROUND - DATE - CIRCUIT -  COUNTRY1 March 28, 29 30  Monza  Italy 2 April 18, 19, 20  Silverstone  England 3 May 30, 31 – Jun 01  Paul Ricard  France 4 July 11, 12, 13  Misano  Italy 5 August 29, 30, 31  Budapest  Hungary 6 October 03, 04, 05  Nürburgring  Germany 7 November 06, 07, 08, 09  World Finals  Italy

Race Meeting Format

Friday

Sporting and Technical Scrutineering Free Practice = 30 mins x 2 sessions Qualifying 1 (for Race 1) = 30 mins Saturday

Qualifying 2 (for Race 2) = 30 mins Race 1 = 40 mins Sunday 

Race 2 = 40 mins Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB – Partners