Maranello 2005 Just a quick not to let you lot know what I have seen over there, pics to follow. If you go book the planet hotel, and ask for the top floor which overlooks the Fiorano test track. We were awoken both mornings by the sound of Schumachers F1 car testing. Schumacher is normally there Wed/Thurs and Barachello there Mon/Tues from what I was told. The factory trip was as normal, production lines (V8 and V12), engine workshop and mechanical departments. We did however see the very first 575 super-america on the production line. I was told this by the design manager (will come to this bit in a moment). The factory is currently building lots of F430s, 612s 575s, the last 360 spiders and the last Challenge Stradales. There has currently only been 1 RHD drive F430 made, a black one, and it will be on show in the UK this week, but I cannot tell you where. After the tour I was asked in reception if I would fill a questionnaire in. I said yes and was taken back into the factory by the Design Manager, to an area closed to the general public. Here were 2 mock up 430 boot compartments, and was shown a new storage idea Ferrari had to increase boot space. Basically should they increase the space behind the seats and reduce the boot space or loose the space behind the seats and increase the boot space. I sat in a yellow F430 they had there with carbon sports seats and was shown the engine bay of the car. The exhaust silencers very small, like a Tubi, it aint as loud as the Stradale, but its note is as good if not better at full chat. We went the day after to the back gates where we say, Luca de Montezemolo, leaving the gates in a Maseratti 3200 GT, same day Schumacher was testing, a Maseratti MC12, countless 612s, F430, a F430 spider on test and 575s. To top the day EVO magazine had drove Fords GT40 press car down to Maranello for a head to head with the F430. We found out via EVO that there are 2 F430 press cars that Ferrari supplied. Both red, both with CCBs and all the extras. One was written off in the hills around Modena earlier this week. So there is only one left now. Thats about it, a bit of shopping, dining at the Cavallino, visit the Galleria and lots of wine. All in all another good trip. Enjoy the photoss.
Bravo!! Thats another place on the must visit list for me now! Do you actually know where the RHD 430 is going to be in the UK?? If you do, could you PM me the details? Is it a UK main dealer?? Thanks
Excellent Steve sounds like you had a great time nice pic's too, but tell me what's CCB? Did the trip with the FOC in Oct how did you get there? Cheers Si
Nice pics steve, looks like you had a good time Is this one the 430 spider? Image Unavailable, Please Login
Steve, If you don't mind me asking, what is the cost of arranging it yourself? I want to go next year and was wondering if it is any cheaper to arrange it myself or go with the FOC. Which airport do you fly into? Thanks, Nigel.
bolgna, flights were £80 return for 2, booked well in advance with easyjet, taxi fare to/from airport 70 euros' and 2 nights in the planet hotel rooms 501 and 502 are best 260 euros with mini bar bill
Nice one Steve - haven't you forgotten the bit where you pick up the keys to the red F50 and drive it back to the UK ??? (or is that installment next year ...) Super photos, looks and sounds like you had a great time. Rick
