First Drive: Taming the Prancing Horse on the Open Road
For decades, the image of a Ferrari has embodied pure speed and unadulterated performance. Yet, for most enthusiasts, this vision remains a distant dream. The opportunity to actually command such a machine is rare, confined to the hallowed asphalt of racetracks. However, through an exclusive experience organized by AVL, I had the privileged chance to step behind the wheel of a 296 GTS and discover what it’s truly like to harness the power of a Prancing Horse on public roads.
Setting the Scene: An Exclusive Drive
The adventure began with a question that threw me for a moment: “Have you driven a Ferrari before?” While I had been a passenger in Ferraris on numerous occasions, a deep reflection revealed that I had never actually driven one myself.
This realization, experienced as I carefully settled into the driver’s seat of the 296 GTS—painted in a color aptly named Rosso Imola red—made the moment even more special. This journey from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park was an experience to cherish, as it marked my first time piloting a Ferrari.
I’m glad I realized this when I did, as it allowed me to savor every moment. It made me appreciate the beauty of the large, heavy key, the aggressively low seating position, and the intoxicating feel of the performance-oriented steering wheel.
The vehicle accommodates two occupants, and space is at a premium. Finding a place for a water bottle is a challenge, and if you have anything larger than a backpack, you might be in trouble. But these are minor inconveniences. This is a two-seater Ferrari supercar, equipped with a special feature called qualifying mode. What more could one possibly ask for?
The Ferrari Heritage: A Legacy of Speed
The deep-rooted ties to motorsport that define Ferrari as a brand—and specifically the 296 model—were central themes of our journey through the scenic South Australian countryside. The primary purpose of this visit was to celebrate the official launch of the new Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, which was scheduled to commence in 2025. Getting to unleash the road-going 296 on the way there was simply an added bonus.
I use the word “unleash” lightly, as we were driving on open, public roads, where strict adherence to traffic laws was mandatory. The beauty of modern supercars lies in how they’ve mitigated the aggression of traditional performance engines, stiff suspensions, and hard clutches with advanced technology.
The 296’s hybrid system allows for driving under full electric power, even in traffic. It is only when the accelerator is engaged that the twin-turbo V6 bursts to life. The engine’s delivery is as smooth as silk; in fact, without the distinctive sound, one wouldn’t even know it had ignited. While the automatic switch between electric and internal combustion engine (ICE) is a fun party trick, it was sufficient after the first few times. I didn’t get into a Ferrari for a quiet, smooth ride.
Performance in Practice: Navigating the 296 GTS
With the traffic cleared, the focus shifted to enjoying the twin-turbo V6 (in short, responsible bursts, of course) and gaining some insights into the feeling of peak output—830 horsepower (available when combining ICE and hybrid power in qualifying mode).
Spoiler alert: it’s a lot of fun. Even backing off the throttle is an exhilarating experience, thanks to the full turbo boost provided. If you appreciate the aggressive sound of turbochargers, you’re in for a treat.
Thankfully, at least from my perspective, the sanitization of the driving experience is only evident at low speeds. Once on faster, bumpier roads, there is no doubt that you are driving a Ferrari. You feel every bit of the road beneath you. For a purist with a racing background, this is an incredible experience.
One word of caution: when they say the steering is direct, they mean it. While handling is manageable on open roads, care must be taken to avoid potholes on the highway, as a slight maneuver could quickly land you in another lane.
The Ferrari Challenge Australasia: A New Era
Ferrari is all about the experience, and the new Ferrari Challenge is no exception. Ferrari Challenge Australasia extends the Club Challenge program that has been running in Australia since 2022.
Club Challenge allows customers to purchase a Challenge race car, which until recently was primarily the 488 Evo model, and participate in track days with professional coaching and technical support, as well as the standard of hospitality expected by Ferrari customers.
Similar to its successful counterparts in Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia now has the next phase of Ferrari’s ‘clienti’ program: a dedicated one-make racing series. Rather than targeting existing racing drivers, like those in GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup, or the multitude of other categories in the country, Ferrari aims to attract new drivers to the market.
The main draw is the brand new 296 Challenge, which is, as expected, stunning. As this is the third generation of Challenge cars, following the 458 and 488, refinement is key.
For instance, previous V8-powered versions suffered from understeer, which is quite normal for cars built for amateur drivers. However, thanks to an s-duct at the front and swan neck mounts on the rear wing, Ferrari has managed to boost overall downforce and shift the balance more towards the front, without removing rear grip and making the car difficult to drive.
Technical Enhancements and Performance Upgrades
A new braking package offers a much wider operating window, and the removal of the hybrid system has made room for a high-performance air conditioning unit to enhance driver comfort.
Although the first V6-powered Challenge car lacks the hybrid assistance of its road-going counterpart, a revised exhaust and other tuning modifications ensure it still produces 700 horsepower, which is over 30 hp more than the isolated ICE horsepower of the road car.
The overall result is a race car that is significantly quicker than the 488 Challenge. The older model will remain eligible for Ferrari Challenge Australasia, but it will compete in a different class due to the performance deficit.
The entire Ferrari Challenge series is dealer-aligned, meaning customers who wish to race purchase a new 296 Challenge from their trusted Ferrari dealer. The dealership will then be partnered with a Ferrari-approved team, which will work closely with AF Corse in Italy and Motokinetic in Australia.
You can take your 296 Challenge home with you if you wish, but when it comes to racing, the service is comprehensive. Your dealer-aligned team, under the guidance of the Italian and local partners, will run the car for you, provide an engineer, mechanics, and a driver coach.
Pricing and Program Costs
What does it cost? Ferrari does not disclose this information unless they believe you are serious about purchasing one of these cars and participating in the racing program.
Interestingly, the race car itself is less expensive than its road-going counterpart, as it is not subject to the same taxes as a vehicle that will be registered for public roads. However, this does not mean it is cheap. Rumors suggest that the budgets for a season are substantial and not for the faint of heart.
The cost of both the car and the racing program makes this series attractive to amateur drivers rather than professionals like those in Carrera Cup. Ferrari expects 18–20 cars on the grid in the upcoming season and states that most of these spots are already filled.
The five-round calendar is impressive, starting as a support category at the Bathurst 12 Hour and then joining the new SRO series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend. Another SMP event will be organized by Ferrari itself.
Should You Consider Racing with Ferrari?
For those who have always dreamed of competing at a professional level but lacked the right opportunity, the Ferrari Challenge Australasia offers a unique pathway. As an industry expert with a decade of experience in motorsport, I can attest to the value of such programs.
Performance and Access: If you want to drive the latest Ferrari Challenge car and compete at a premium level, this series is essentially your gateway to the world of Ferrari motorsport. You get access to a state-of-the-art race car and professional support services, allowing you to focus on the driving experience without the logistical hassles.
Cost vs. Investment: While expensive, participation in the Ferrari Challenge is a significant investment in your passion. Given the price of a new 296 Challenge and the required season budgets, this series is targeted at amateur drivers who can afford to spend this amount on their hobby. Unlike professional racing, where sponsorship is paramount, the Ferrari Challenge is for those who are financially committed to participating.
The Support Network: You are not alone in this journey. The dealer-aligned team, supported by AF Corse and Motokinetic, ensures you have the best engineers, mechanics, and coaches. From the amenities at the track to the professional guidance, this program offers a premium, holistic racing experience.
Key Takeaways for Potential Competitors
Understanding Your Goals: Are you looking for a competitive racing series, a high-end driving experience, or both? The Ferrari Challenge Australasia offers both, but at a significant cost. It is crucial to understand that this is not just a hobby; it is a commitment.
The Ferrari Advantage: As a new racing series, the Ferrari Challenge provides a unique opportunity to establish yourself in the motorsport world. While the 488 Challenge will remain eligible, you can gain an early advantage by competing in the latest 296 Challenge
