The Path to Challenge

The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli represents one of the ultimate experiences for fans of Ferrari – racing in a large field of identical Ferrari 458 Challenge Evoluziones against fellow tifosi. Close competition in three classes of racing is featured in each weekend of racing.

But how does one find themselves on the grid at one of the circuits across North America where Ferrari Challenge drivers battle for victory? It begins with Corso Pilota.

Held at the Circuit Mont Tremblant near Quebec, Canada and Circuit of The Americas in Austin, Texas, Corso Pilota is Ferrari’s driving school which features Ferrari vehicles such as the California T and 488 GTB. With four classes offered, Corso PIlota provides a progressive education that gives participants a comprehensive understanding of driving and racing techniques is offered. Prospective Ferrari Challenge drivers must complete all four classes before beginning their racing program. The staff of instructors at Corso Pilota is made up of professional drivers who are winners and champions in the highest level of sports car racing. Here, you will find drivers who have stood on the top step of the podium at Le Mans, Daytona, and Sebring.

Beginning with the Sport Course, students are given a foundation in sport driving techniques with the concepts of proper acceleration, braking, and lines taught. Students also learn about driving Ferraris with different electronic vehicle control setups. The Advanced course expands upon the lessons taught in the Sport Course, with the introduction of higher-speed techniques. The introduction of telemetry allows students to begin to analyze their own performance.

In the Evolution course, students learn even more about finding their personal limits – as well as the limits of the Ferrari road cars – before getting behind the wheel for the first time of the Ferrari 458 Challenge Evo. With a highly-personalized coaching curriculum, lessons are learned that apply to day-to-day situations as well as advanced track sessions.

The final course is the Challenge Course, where the lessons learned in the previous three courses are applied to the world of Ferrari racing. In addition to specific exercises that include race starts, overtaking, and in-race procedures, students take part in timed sessions that prepare them for Ferrari Challenge.

Once a driver has successfully passed through the Corso Pilota program, they are ready to take to the track. In Ferrari Challenge, every team is made up of Ferrari dealer which provides the crew and infrastructure to support the Ferrari Challenge drivers. In addition to the race weekends, teams schedule numerous test sessions throughout the year. Drivers will continue to work with driver coaches after beginning to compete in Ferrari Challenge, ensuring that they continue to improve their skills and receive feedback that will get them further to the front of the field.