Driving the Prancing Horse: A Personal Experience with the Ferrari 296 GTS
From Dream to Reality: My First Time Behind the Wheel of a Ferrari
Few people ever get the privilege of experiencing the raw, untamed performance of a Ferrari. It remains, for many, a dream—a fleeting glimpse of automotive perfection reserved for the elite. Yet, occasionally, the stars align, and we find ourselves entrusted with the keys to one of Maranello’s finest creations. As an industry veteran with a decade immersed in the world of high-performance vehicles, I have witnessed the evolution of these automotive marvels firsthand, and I recently had the distinct honor of getting behind the wheel of the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS for an unforgettable drive.
The moment Andrew van Leeuwen, the seasoned automotive journalist who has been covering this industry since my early days, relayed the question, “Have you driven a Ferrari before?” I paused. My mind raced through the countless experiences, the track days, the media launches. Yes, I had been inside Ferraris before, undoubtedly. But had I driven one? Upon deeper reflection, the answer was surprisingly no.
That realization, arriving precisely as I carefully eased myself into the cockpit of the 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS—painted in the perfectly named Rosso Imola red—made the entire experience immeasurably more profound. This journey, stretching from the urban sprawl of Adelaide to the technical precision of The Bend Motorsport Park, was more than just a drive; it was a milestone. It was, unmistakably, my first time driving a Ferrari.
I am immensely grateful that this realization dawned on me at that very moment, because it allowed me to savor every second of the experience. It heightened my appreciation for the heft and precision of the ignition key—a tangible piece of engineering that exudes power even before the engine roars to life. It underscored the sensation of sitting incredibly low to the ground, a defining characteristic of supercars, and it resonated with the aggressive design of the steering wheel, a visceral declaration of the car’s performance capabilities.
The Nuances of Ferrari Ownership
It is a well-known truth in the automotive community: owning a Ferrari is about more than just possessing a powerful engine and exotic styling. It is about embracing a complete ecosystem—a lifestyle designed to deliver maximum thrills while minimizing the technical headaches that often plague high-performance machines.
From a practical standpoint, the Ferrari 296 GTS is a masterclass in duality. It is a hyper-capable track machine that can also function as a luxurious weekend cruiser. Yet, this dual functionality introduces a series of trade-offs that prospective buyers must understand before committing to the purchase.
The Compromise of Space
Let’s address the elephant in the room: storage. Space is a luxury Ferrari buyers are often willing to forgo for performance. It is a perennial challenge to find room for a water bottle, let alone anything resembling significant luggage. If you have more than a backpack, you are in for a serious compromise. But this is the reality of a two-seater Ferrari supercar. And let’s be honest, for a vehicle of this caliber, the presence of a “Qualifying Mode” is often considered sufficient justification for these sacrifices.
The Essence of Ferrari Performance
The deep-rooted connection between Ferrari and motorsport is arguably the most defining characteristic of the brand. This history is not just a historical footnote; it permeates every vehicle that rolls off the Maranello production line, and the 296 GTS is no exception. The primary objective of my drive to The Bend was to attend the official launch of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, an event scheduled to commence in 2025. The opportunity to unleash the road-going 296 on the way was merely an added bonus, though one that was certainly not wasted.
A Day at The Track
The journey to the track was a privilege, but the real immersion came once we arrived at The Bend. The Ferrari Challenge Australasia, the latest iteration of the Club Challenge program established in Australia in 2022, offers clients a unique opportunity. They can purchase a Challenge race car—historically, the 488 Evo model has been the most common choice—and participate in structured track days. These events are supported by expert coaching and technical assistance, all delivered with the unparalleled hospitality that defines the Ferrari ownership experience.
Like similar programs in regions across the globe, including Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia now possesses the next level of Ferrari’s exclusive “clienti” program: a dedicated one-make racing series. Unlike established racing series such as GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup, Ferrari’s objective is not merely to attract existing professional or semi-professional drivers. Instead, Ferrari aims to introduce entirely new competitors to the market, blurring the line between automotive enthusiasm and competitive racing.
The Allure of the Challenge Car
The enticing prospect presented to these new drivers is the brand-new Ferrari 296 Challenge—a vehicle that is, as one would expect, breathtaking. Given that this is the third generation of the Challenge car, following the highly acclaimed 458 and 488 models, refinement has been the primary focus.
For instance, the previous V8-powered versions often suffered from understeer, a common trait in cars designed for amateur drivers. However, Ferrari has implemented an s-duct system at the front and swan-neck mounts on the rear wing to significantly enhance overall downforce. This engineering feat successfully shifts the aerodynamic balance more towards the front of the vehicle without compromising the grip of the rear wheels, thereby ensuring the car remains manageable and predictable for the amateur driver.
Engineering the Balance
The new braking package boasts a much wider operating window, and the removal of the hybrid system has created space for an exceptionally capable air conditioning unit, further enhancing driver comfort during intense track sessions.
While the first V6-powered Challenge car may lack the electric assistance of its road-going counterpart, it is far from lacking in power. With revised exhaust tuning and other modifications, it still produces a formidable 700 horsepower, representing a gain of more than 30 horsepower over the road car’s isolated ICE output.
The overall result is a race car that is significantly quicker than the 488 Challenge. While the older model will remain eligible for Ferrari Challenge Australasia, it will compete in a separate class due to the performance disparity.
The Ferrari Challenge Calendar
The entire Ferrari Challenge framework is aligned with dealership support. Customers interested in racing purchase a new 296 Challenge from their authorized Ferrari dealer. The dealership then aligns itself with a Ferrari-approved racing team, which, in turn, works closely with AF Corse in Italy and Motokinetic in Australia.
This comprehensive support structure means that owners retain the option to take their 296 Challenge home, but when it comes to racing, the car is serviced entirely by the team. Your dealer-aligned team, under the guidance of these Italian and Australian partners, will manage the car, provide a dedicated engineer and mechanics, and a driver coach. Moreover, owners gain access to top-tier amenities and catering during their track days. Based on what we witnessed at The Bend, this promises to be a truly premium experience.
The Cost of Entry
The question of cost is always central to luxury and performance vehicle ownership. Ferrari is often tight-lipped about the pricing of its Challenge series cars, typically only discussing the details with individuals who show genuine interest in purchasing a vehicle and entering the series.
It is somewhat ironic that the race car itself is less expensive than its road-going counterpart, primarily due to the absence of road registration taxes. However, this does not mean it is affordable. Industry rumors suggest that the annual budgets required to compete in Ferrari Challenge are significant and are certainly not for the faint-hearted.
The substantial cost of both the car and the racing program means that this series is targeted at amateur drivers rather than professional racers competing in categories like Carrera Cup. Ferrari anticipates fielding 18 to 20 cars on the grid for the inaugural season and reports that most of these positions have already been filled.
The five-round calendar is impressive, beginning as a support category at the Bathurst 12 Hour. It then joins the new SRO GT World Challenge series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend. Another Sydney Motorsport Park event will be hosted by Ferrari itself.
What This Means for You
The establishment of Ferrari Challenge Australasia represents a significant shift in how Ferrari engages with its clients and attracts new buyers. For prospective owners, this development underscores the increasing importance of racing heritage and performance credibility in the luxury segment.
Should You Buy, Wait, or Rent?
The decision to purchase a Ferrari—especially one destined for the track—is a complex one, involving significant financial commitment and lifestyle adjustments. When considering a 2026 Ferrari 296 GTS, buyers must weigh the pure performance and heritage against the practicality and cost of ownership.
Buying: For those who aspire to be part of an elite community and participate in a structured racing program, buying a Ferrari Challenge car is the ultimate expression of passion. The support structure provided by Ferrari ensures that the racing experience is thrilling, safe, and managed with the precision expected of the brand.
Waiting: For prospective buyers who prioritize the performance capabilities of a Ferrari but are not ready for the commitment of a racing series, the 296 GTS remains the pinnacle of road-legal performance. The technology is advanced, the performance is blistering, and the driving experience is unparalleled. However, if you are considering purchasing this car, it is critical to factor in the substantial costs associated with insurance, maintenance, and running costs.
Renting/Experience
