Ferrari Challenge Italia
The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is one of the most popular one-make series, in part because it brings together complete track novices and those who already have competition experience. The former have their own Coppa Shell with a separate classification and final title, while the latter race in the Trofeo Pirelli, also with a title up for grabs, so as to avoid a one-sided contest and assure a good show, from expert competitors racing at a very high level, as well as gentleman drivers who can thus compete on equal terms. Established in 1993 and now in its nineteenth year, this year the Ferrari Challenge sees the new 458 Challenge car line up alongside the F430 Challenge. Apart from the usual three series - Italy, Europe and North America, this year there will be a fourth one, for competitors from the Asia-Pacific region.
The large hospitality area offers all the right facilities and it provides a nerve centre where drivers and the teams can welcome their guests and sponsors in an environment that lives up to their expectations. The facilities are also available to the sponsors of the Challenge, some attracted by the series itself and others who prefer to have a tie-in with specific drivers. They are keen to be associated with a prestige marque and also enjoy the media coverage on TV, radio, print media and Internet. In the Challenge, everything is done to put drivers at their ease, with rules ensuring that Dealers and official preparation companies are the only ones authorised to enter cars. This rule has been in place since the very beginning of the Trofeo and allows for greater transparency in the running of the series, which would not be possible with entries from outside the organisation. Events are always held at prestigious race circuits as part of a special event also run by Ferrari - Ferrari Racing Days - with the exception of a few that are run alongside top international events, such as the very first event staged at the French Le Mans circuit at the legendary 24 Hours meeting.
With the introduction of the new car, the classification will again feature the two categories for the Trofeo Pirelli and the Coppa Shell for drivers running the 458 Challenge, while there will now be just a single category for those entered in the Trofeo Pirelli driving the F430 Challenge. 2011 sees a change in race duration, as the first one will now run for 25 minutes and the second for thirty five. Still the same is the timetable that includes two 30 minute qualifying sessions (in addition to the sixty minute Free Practice sessions,) in which the first qualifying session decides the grid for Race 1 and the second for Race 2. . As well as individual drivers, crews of two are still permitted: in this case each driver will take part in one qualifying session and one race, with the total of both drivers’ points counting towards the classification.
At each race there will be one point given for pole position, (or to both drivers in the case of a crew of two) and one for the fastest race lap. Continuing from last year are the use of a rolling start, according to FIA regulations, the Coppa Team and special prizes for the winners of the Trofeo Pirelli and the Coppa Shell. Younger drivers have also been catered for, with a reduction on the entrance fee for drivers under 25, while the Ferrari Genuine Contribution has been confirmed for the first five drivers in every category’s classification together with a series of initiatives aiming at a general cost reduction for a season of motor racing. All drivers still face a sporting contest that has always operated at a very high standard, with the races proving to be closely contested from start to finish. The Trofeo Pirelli features well-known drivers who tackle the challenge to raise their profile and that of the Concessionaire they race for. But there are also some very young racers with a bit of experience, who hope that the Challenge and the famous name that is Ferrari will provide a springboard to a successful future. This has often proved to be the case. The Coppa Shell races also provide close competition between the gentlemen racers of all ages and various levels of experience.