Michael Satterfield
For automotive enthusiasts, Pista di Fiorano is the Holy Grail. Nestled near the small town of Maranello, just a stone’s throw from the Ferrari factory gate, this private racetrack has witnessed the birth of legends since it opened in April 1972. It’s here that icons like the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and the SF90 Stradale’s Assetto Fiorano track package were tested and refined. With an FIA Grade 2 license, the 1.8-mile track is designed to challenge every aspect of a car’s performance with a variety of corner types.
Thanks to an invitation from my friends at Shell, I got the opportunity to experience a one-day version of the Corso Pilota Sport program and explore the wonders of Modena and Maranello. Shell, a partner of Ferrari since 1924, fuels these beasts with Shell V-Power NiTRO+ Premium Gasoline, a fact evident in the branding around Fiorano.
Day 1: Taming the Track
Our adventure kicked off with a comprehensive briefing. Our instructors—seasoned racers with impressive resumes—introduced us to the Ferrari 296 GTB, the focus of our session. The 296 GTB, with its hybrid powertrain delivering a combined 818 horsepower, is a masterpiece of modern engineering. From the classroom, we could hear the engines roaring on the track, setting the stage for the adrenaline rush ahead.
Strapped into the racing seat, I felt the car’s power pulsating. The Ferrari 296 GTB is built to challenge both the driver’s and machine’s limits. Though this was the street version, it’s also the basis for the Ferrari Challenge. On the track, every lap was a ballet of precision and power. Guided by my instructor, I learned the art of balancing braking, acceleration, and cornering to master Fiorano’s intricate layout.
After the track session, I headed to the race control office to review the telemetry data. The target lap time was 1 minute 32 seconds, and by my third lap, I was just a few seconds shy. We then moved to the skid pad to practice car control and explore different traction settings before breaking for lunch.
The afternoon session saw us back on the track, diving deeper into advanced driving techniques. The thrill of driving at Fiorano was matched by the satisfaction of shaving down my lap time to 1 minute 31 seconds. We wrapped up the day with a debrief and a certificate presentation.
Day 2: A Peek Behind the Curtain and Culinary Delights
Day two shifted gears from high-speed thrills to an insider’s look at the Ferrari Factory. This isn’t just a factory; it’s a sanctuary where cutting-edge engineering meets artisan craftsmanship. Our private tour took us through the factory floor, where high-tech robots and skilled craftsmen work in harmony to create automotive masterpieces.
One of the most striking features of the factory is its design, which prioritizes both efficiency and employee well-being. Growing up with a grandfather in the aerospace industry, I’ve seen my share of machine shops, but never one with gardens and natural light flowing through it, giving it the feel of a massive art studio rather than an engine plant.
Our guide, a seasoned Ferrari veteran, walked us through the meticulous assembly of V12 engines, each a testament to Ferrari’s commitment to performance. The V12 assembly line, where one engineer assembles each engine by hand, perfectly illustrates Ferrari’s blend of state-of-the-art technology and timeless craftsmanship. Photography was restricted, so most of the time, our phone cameras were covered, and our real cameras stayed at the hotel.
After the tour, we dined at Ristorante Cavallino, an establishment rich in tradition and culinary excellence. Chef Massimo Bottura, hailing from Modena, brings a vision of regional history and identity to the table, combining Emilian tradition with a contemporary twist. Bottura’s career began in 1986 at Trattoria del Campazzo, where he balanced regional recipes with French techniques under the tutelage of chef Georges Coigny.
A transformative stint with Alain Ducasse at Le Louis XV in Monaco led Bottura to open Osteria Francescana in 1995. After refining his approach under Ferran Adrià at El Bulli, Bottura’s Osteria Francescana earned three Michelin stars in 2011 and topped The World’s 50 Best Restaurants list in 2016 and 2018. Lunch at Cavallino was a culinary journey, with dishes that honored regional flavors while incorporating innovative twists. If you can’t make it to Cavallino, Bottura’s books, “Never Trust a Skinny Chef” and “Bread is Gold,” are excellent alternatives.
The Final Lap: The Ferrari Museum
Our journey continued at the Ferrari Museum, a short distance from the factory. This museum is a treasure trove of Ferrari’s storied heritage, showcasing its most celebrated models and trophies. It tells the story of speed, elegance, and the relentless pursuit of perfection, from the classic 250 GTO to the modern marvel LaFerrari.
Interactive exhibits offered a deep dive into the technological advancements that propelled Ferrari to motorsport’s forefront. The section dedicated to Ferrari’s Formula 1 legacy, featuring cars and innovations that have dominated the racing world, was particularly captivating.
As I left Maranello, I carried with me more than just memories of speed and spectacle. The experience had instilled a profound appreciation for the artistry, dedication, and passion that define Ferrari. The Corso Pilota Sport driving experience, the factory tour, and the museum visit weren’t just a journey through Ferrari’s hallowed grounds but an intimate glimpse into the heart of a legend. Ultimately, Ferrari is more than a car; it embodies human ambition and excellence, a symphony of speed that continues to inspire and exhilarate.
