Ferrari’s Next Generation: Driving the 296 and Igniting Australasian Motorsport
While most automotive enthusiasts share the aspiration of owning a Ferrari, the reality of actually driving one is a privilege reserved for a select few. Recently, I had the distinct opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Ferrari 296 GTS, marking my first-ever experience driving this iconic marque. The journey from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park was an exhilarating experience, allowing me to truly appreciate the craftsmanship and engineering behind a Prancing Horse.\n\n## A Rare Experience Behind the Wheel\n\nThe moment I settled into the Rosso Imola painted 296 GTS, the realization that I was driving a Ferrari hit me hard. I had been inside Ferraris before, but this was my first time driving one. This realization allowed me to savour every moment, appreciating the exquisite detail of the heavy key, the aggressive low-slung seating position, and the unmistakable aura of the steering wheel.\n\n## The Practicality of a Supercar\n\nFor a two-seater supercar, the Ferrari 296 GTS presents some practical challenges. The lack of storage space for water bottles or larger bags is a minor inconvenience, given that the car is equipped with ‘qualifying mode’, which is sufficient for any enthusiast’s needs. However, these minor practicalities are easily overlooked when experiencing the sheer thrill of driving a Ferrari.\n\n## Ferrari’s Motorsport Heritage and the 296\n\nThe deep connection between Ferrari and motorsport is evident in the 296 and its role in the Ferrari Challenge Australasia. The 296 serves as the road-going counterpart to the 296 Challenge race car, which marks a new era for the series. The primary purpose of this trip was to officially launch the Ferrari Challenge Australasia, which will kick off in 2025.\n\n## Driving the 296 on the Open Road\n\nThe drive from Adelaide to The Bend was a thrilling experience, allowing me to unleash the 296 on the open road.
However, I strictly adhered to road laws, even when driving a car with a peak output of 830 horsepower (achieved through the hybrid and ICE system in qualifying mode). The beauty of modern supercars lies in their hybrid technology, which allows for electric-only driving in traffic, effectively mitigating the often challenging driving experience of older supercars.\n\n## The Power of the Twin-Turbo V6\n\nThe hybrid system in the 296 allows for smooth, quiet driving, but the real thrill comes from engaging the twin-turbo V6 engine. The ICE is smooth as silk, but the noise it produces when engaged is what makes the experience truly special. The automatic switch from electric to ICE is a fun trick, but after a few activations, it becomes apparent that the true joy lies in experiencing the raw power of the V6 engine.\n\n## A Thrilling Driving Experience\n\nSpoiler alert, the Ferrari 296 is a lot of fun to drive. Even backing off is a rewarding experience, given the full turbo boost provided by the engine. If you appreciate aggressive turbo noise, you’re in for a treat. However, it’s important to note that only the low-speed driving experience has been ‘sanitised’. On faster, bumpier roads, you’re constantly reminded that you’re driving a Ferrari, feeling every bump in the road. For a purist with a racing background, this is an incredible experience.\n\n## Precision Steering\n\nOne word of warning, the steering is exceptionally precise. It’s manageable on the open road, but caution is advised when avoiding potholes on the highway. A small movement can lead to an abrupt lane change. However, this responsiveness is what makes driving a Ferrari such a thrilling experience.\n\n## Ferrari Challenge Australasia\n\nWith Ferrari, the focus is always on the experience, which is evident in the new Ferrari Challenge Australasia. Ferrari Challenge is an extension of the Club Challenge program, which has been running in Australia since 2022. Club Challenge provides customers with the opportunity to purchase a Challenge race car, typically a 488 Evo, and participate in track days with professional coaching and technical support, alongside the exceptional hospitality expected of Ferrari customers.\n\n## The Next Step in Ferrari’s Clienti Program\n\nSimilar to other regions like Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia will now host the next step in 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, Ferrari aims to introduce new drivers to the market.\n\n## The New Ferrari Challenge Car\n\nThe carrot for these new drivers is the new Ferrari Challenge race car, the 296 Challenge, which is, as expected, stunning. As the third generation of Challenge car (following the 458 and 488), refinement is key. For example, the previous V8-powered versions suffered from understeer, which is normal for cars built for amateur drivers. However, courtesy of an ‘s-duct’ at the front and swan-neck mounts on the rear wing, Ferrari has managed to increase overall downforce and shift the balance more towards the front, without compromising rear grip or making the car too difficult to handle.\n\n## The 296 Challenge: Refined and Powerful\n\nA new braking package features a much wider operating window, and the removal of the hybrid system allowed for a significantly improved air conditioning unit, enhancing driver comfort. The first V6-powered Challenge car, despite lacking the hybrid assistance of its road-going counterpart, still produces 700 horsepower, a substantial increase over the isolated ICE horsepower of the road car. The overall result is a significantly faster race car than the 488 Challenge. The older model will still be eligible to compete in Ferrari Challenge Australasia, but will do so in a separate class due to the performance gap.\n\n## The Ferrari Challenge Calendar\n\nFerrari Challenge has announced its 2025 calendar, featuring five rounds that will support major motorsport events. The series will begin as a support category at the Bathurst 12 Hour, followed by races at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend as part of the new SRO series. Ferrari will also host a separate event at Sydney Motorsport Park.\n\n## A Premier Motorsport Experience\n\nThe entire Ferrari Challenge program is dealer-aligned. Customers interested in racing purchase a new 296 Challenge from their trusted Ferrari agent, who then partners with a Ferrari-approved team.
These teams collaborate closely with AF Corse in Italy and Motokinetic in Australia. While you can take your 296 Challenge home, the car is fully serviced when it comes to racing. Your dealer-aligned team, under the guidance of AF Corse and Motokinetic, will run the car for you, providing an engineer, mechanics, and a driver coach. Additionally, you’ll have access to top-notch amenities and catering during track days. The preview event at The Bend showcased a truly premium experience.\n\n## What Does it Cost?\n\nFerrari keeps the exact cost of the 296 Challenge private, only divulging the information to serious prospective buyers. It’s interesting to note that the race car is cheaper than its road-going counterpart, as it is not subject to the same registration taxes. However, this doesn’t mean it’s affordable. The rumored budgets for a season are considerable. The cost of both the car and the racing program targets amateur drivers rather than professional racers like those in Carrera Cup. Ferrari anticipates 18-20 cars on the grid in 2025 and has already filled most of those spots. 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 run by Ferrari itself.”
