Most people harbor the aspiration of driving a Ferrari, yet only a select few are fortunate enough to experience the exhilaration of being behind the wheel of these automotive masterpieces. I recently had the privilege of encountering this iconic brand firsthand, embarking on a drive that was as inspiring as it was exclusive. My sojourn began with an intriguing question posed by the dealership: “Have you driven a Ferrari before?” It was in that very moment of realization that I understood the gravity of the situation. While I had been a passenger in Ferraris, I had never had the opportunity to control one myself until now.
The drive from Adelaide to the renowned The Bend Motorsport Park was more than just a journey; it was an initiation into a world of automotive perfection. As I carefully settled into the driver’s seat of the 296 GTS, painted in the striking hue of Rosso Imola, the significance of the occasion was palpable. This was my first drive in a Ferrari, and it was an experience I would cherish for a lifetime.
The experience was heightened by the realization that I was piloting a Ferrari for the first time. It imbued the drive with a sense of wonder that I would not have otherwise experienced. The weight of the keys in my hand was a tangible reminder of the power that lay beneath my fingertips. The low seating position and the aggressive steering wheel served as constant reminders of the performance capabilities of the car.
While the Ferrari 296 GTS may be a two-seater supercar with limited cargo space, it is more than capable of handling everyday driving situations thanks to its hybrid system. The car can be driven entirely on electric power, providing a quiet and smooth ride through traffic. However, once the throttle is applied, the twin-turbocharged V6 engine roars to life, delivering a surge of power that is both breathtaking and exhilarating.
The primary objective of my visit to The Bend Motorsport Park was to attend the official launch of the new Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series. This series marks the expansion of the Club Challenge program that has been running in Australia since 2022. The Club Challenge gives customers the opportunity to purchase a Challenge race car, which has primarily been the 488 Evo model, and participate in track days with professional coaching and technical support. Additionally, participants receive the same level of hospitality that Ferrari customers have come to expect.
Much like the existing programs in other regions such as Europe, North America, the UK, and Japan, Australia will now have access to the next phase of Ferrari’s ‘clienti’ program: a dedicated one-make racing series. Instead of targeting existing racing drivers, like those participating in GT World Challenge Australia or Carrera Cup, Ferrari aims to attract new drivers to the sport.
The allure of the new 296 Challenge is undeniable, as it is a stunning testament to Ferrari’s commitment to performance and design. As the third generation of Challenge cars following the 458 and 488, the emphasis has been placed on refinement and innovation.
For instance, the previous V8-powered versions suffered from understeer, which is a common trait in cars designed for amateur drivers. However, Ferrari has managed to boost overall downforce and shift the balance towards the front of the car without sacrificing rear grip, making it easier to handle. This was achieved through the implementation of an s-duct at the front and swan neck mounts on the rear wing.
A new braking system has been introduced to provide a much wider operating window, and the removal of the hybrid system has allowed for the installation of a powerful air conditioning unit, which further enhances driver comfort.
The first V6-powered Challenge car, although lacking the electric assistance of the road car, still delivers an impressive 700 horsepower thanks to revised exhaust tuning and other enhancements. This output exceeds the isolated ICE horsepower of the road car by more than 30.
The overall result is a race car that is significantly faster than the 488 Challenge. While the older model will still be eligible for the Ferrari Challenge Australasia, it will compete in a separate class due to the performance difference.
The Ferrari Challenge series is fully aligned with dealership operations. Customers interested in participating in the series purchase a new 296 Challenge from their local Ferrari dealer. The dealership then partners with a Ferrari-approved racing team, which collaborates closely with AF Corse from Italy and Motokinetic here in Australia.
Customers have the option to take their 296 Challenge home, but when it comes to racing, the car is managed through a full-service program. The dealer-aligned team, under the direction of AF Corse and Motokinetic, will run the car, provide an engineer, mechanics, and a driver coach. Additionally, participants will have access to top-tier amenities and dining options during track days. Based on my experience at The Bend, the Ferrari Challenge is an unparalleled premium experience.
What does it cost? Ferrari does not disclose the exact price of the race car, except to potential buyers who are genuinely interested in participating.
Interestingly, the race car is more affordable than its road-going counterpart, as it is not subject to the same registration taxes. However, this does not mean it is inexpensive. The cost of a full season’s racing program is substantial and is targeted at amateur drivers rather than professional racers like those competing in Carrera Cup. Ferrari anticipates having 18 to 20 cars on the grid in 2025, with most of these slots already filled.
The five-round calendar is impressive, kicking off with a support category at the Bathurst 12 Hour. It will then join the new SRO series at Phillip Island, Sydney Motorsport Park, and The Bend. Another event at Sydney Motorsport Park will be hosted by Ferrari itself.
The Ferrari Challenge: A New Era of Driver Experience and Innovation in Australasia
The invitation to drive a Ferrari is an experience that stirs the soul, a dream that resides in the hearts of many but is realized by few. When the opportunity arose to spend time with the new Ferrari 296 GTS, particularly as part of the launch of the Ferrari Challenge Australasia series, the weight of the moment was amplified. This was more than just a test drive; it was an immersion into a legacy of performance and precision that defines the Prancing Horse.
My journey began with the question, “Have you driven a Ferrari before?” The realization dawned that while I had been a passenger in these marvels of engineering, I had never personally navigated the roads in one. The weight of the keys in my hand, the low seating position, and the aggressive steering wheel were constant reminders of the profound responsibility and privilege of this experience. My drive, from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park, was an initiation into a world where the road becomes a canvas for automotive art.
Taming the Prancing Horse: The Unforgettable Drive
The drive from Adelaide to The Bend Motorsport Park was a journey defined by both physical beauty and engineering prowess. The Australian countryside unfolded before me, offering a stark contrast to the raw power held within the Ferrari 296 GTS. As I carefully settled into the driver’s seat of the 296 GTS, painted in the vibrant hue of Rosso Imola, the significance of the occasion was palpable. This was my first time driving a Ferrari, and it was an experience that I would cherish for a lifetime. The deep ties to motorsport for Ferrari in general, and the 296 in particular, were important themes for our romp through the South Australian countryside. The primary purpose of the visit was the official launch of the brand new Ferrari Challenge Australasia racing series, which will kick off in 2025. Getting to unleash the road-going 296 on the way was just a bonus.
I say unleash, but of course, this was open, public roads, and there were laws to be strictly adhered to. The beauty of modern supercars is that the brutality of super-aggressive engine tuning and hard clutches and performance gearboxes, all the things that used to make these sorts of cars tough work at low speed, are mitigated by modern technology. With the hybrid system in the 296, you can actually drive in traffic under full electric power (and plenty of it). It’s only once you give it just enough throttle that the twin-turbo V6 bursts to life. Again, the delivery of the ICE is smooth as silk; in fact, if it wasn’t for the noise, you wouldn’t know. It’s a fun party trick, the automatic switch from electric to ICE, but once or twice was enough. I didn’t jump in a Ferrari for a smooth, quiet ride.
So, with traffic cleared, it was all about enjoying that twin-turbo V6 (in short, responsible bursts, obviously) and getting a few small insights into what a peak output of 830 horsepower (which it can make between ICE and hybrid in qualifying mode) feels like. Spoiler alert, it’s a lot of fun. Even backing off is fun, given the full turbo experience has been provided. If you like aggressive turbo noise, you’re in for a treat.
Thankfully, at least as far as I’m concerned, it’s only the low-speed driving experience that has been sanitized. Once out on faster, bumpier roads, you’re left under no impression you’re driving anything but a Ferrari. You feel every bit of the road. For a purist with a racing background, it’s an incredible experience. One word of warning, when they say the steering is direct, it really is. It’s all nice and manageable when you’re out on the open road, but be gentle when you go to avoid a pothole on the highway. You can find yourself in a different lane very quickly.
Understanding the Ferrari Challenge Australasia
With Ferrari, it’s all about the experience.
