Learning from a Le Mans winner

Autódromo Internacional de Codegua (AIC) is the perfect venue for Corso Pilota – Ferrari’s exclusive two-day driver training programme. Lying 72 kilometres south of Santiago, the Chilean capital, this challenging circuit spans 50 hectares and features a 4.6-kilometre main track to really put skills to the test. It hosted its second Corso Pilota in December – with the presence of Official Ferrari Factory driver and 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Miguel Molina making it particularly special.

This was Molina’s first visit to the AIC, and after thrilling guests with his masterful driving in a Ferrari 296 GTB, he commented: “The circuit is incredible: small, but very fast and technical. That makes it ideal for events like this, where the goal is to teach clients how to get the most out of their cars.”

The Corso Pilota in Chile was split into two levels: one for beginners and another for those who had either attended the 2021 edition in Chile or other Ferrari courses previously held in the United States. Six certified Prancing Horse instructors, plus Molina, guided nearly 50 clients over the two-day event.

Miguel Molina led coaching sessions on Autódromo Internacional de Codegua’s challenging layout, and on coned layouts that fine-tuned car control

Divided into smaller groups within their two levels, guests alternated between theory lessons, track sessions in models including the Ferrari SF90 Stradale, 296 GTB and 296 GTS (on dry and wet asphalt), and telemetry analysis with detailed video feedback. As lead instructor, Molina was constantly available for participants, answering questions and helping everyone improve driving technique lap after lap.

“Everything is designed to immerse guests in the spirit of racing from the moment they start the engine,” outlined Molina. “Our goal is to teach them to drive safely while fully exploiting the potential of their cars. Explaining where to brake, how to tackle a corner, when to accelerate, and how much… All of this creates a special bond with the clients, fostering a friendly and welcoming environment.”

Miguel Molina was already a legend for Chilean Ferrari enthusiasts before his visit to the AIC. Matías Cáceres, General Manager of Astara Luxury, Ferrari’s official representative in Chile, remembered the Ferrari Club Chile chat group exploding with excitement when he won Le Mans in 2024, sharing the number 50 Ferrari 499P with Antonio Fuoco and Nicklas Nielsen. But their bond with the Spanish driver was actually forged 12 months before, in Maranello.

Molina [far left] celebrates victory at Le Mans 2024 with Antonio Fuoco [middle] and Nicklas Nielsen

Explained Cáceres: “Exactly one year before the victory, 40 Chilean clients enjoyed a unique experience, discovering Ferrari’s latest models, honing their driving techniques, touring the factory, and meeting some of Official Ferrari Factory drivers – including Miguel Molina.”

For Molina, too, the meeting was a special experience. “Without a language barrier, everything felt incredibly natural, and I developed a special connection with the Chilean clients. And now, here I am, at the edge of the world,” he enthused.

For clients learning to hone their skills behind the wheel, Molina’s presence made an already special event all the more engaging.

“The Corso Pilota is a unique opportunity, and having Miguel here has been a real privilege,” said a Chilean client and owner of a 296 GTB. Another member of Ferrari Club Chile added: “The Corso Pilota always features top-level instructors, but having Miguel with us was exceptional. He is an incredible professional with a unique charisma and endless patience. This is the ultimate possible experience for us as amateur drivers.”

Corso Pilota’s return to Chile was a resounding success, but events continue to be hosted everywhere from Miami to Lapland. Click the link below to explore the calendar – and take your driving to the next level.