So after detailing what the ‘experience’ is of driving Fiorano now it is time to get down to brass tacks and take a closer look at what I learned about my driving ability (or inability) and what more I need to learn.

The first place to start is the telemetry output which you can see above. You can click on the image to get more detail if you want. The red line in the above telemetry is my performance, while the blue line is the benchmark level set by an instructor in the same car (488 GTB).

There are two caveats here. Firstly, towards the end of the lap (turns 7 and 8) I was coming up behind a slower car so needed to back off. Secondly, thanks to my inexperience using the paddle shift I ended up in one gear higher that I should. So with that in mind let’s take a deeper dive into my actual performance on this ‘monitored’ lap.

To get a better idea of the track layout and importantly, the correct gearing for each corner, you’ll see the track above. You can click on the image for more detail if you need to.

So down the straight into corner 1 you can see that my speed here is slightly lower that the benchmark but comparable and I’m in the right gear. The main issue is that I am not on the gas hard enough down the straight, which explains the lower speed.

Now the major problem, for me, is the braking. I am not on the brakes hard enough entering at the end of the straight entering corner 1. This was a problem I struggled with for the whole course. It is very counter intuitive to the way the you drive on the street. On the track you need to be hard (very hard in fact, to the point of the ABS cutting in) immediately and then ease off as you get deeper into the corner.

If you also look at the gearing approaching this corner, you’ll see that I shift down too late and two gears instead of three. That now means, of course, that my mental gear numbering is out by one (too high). This affects me through the next few corners.

The speed through corners 2 and 3 is in line with the base but I don’t maintain that going into turn 4.

Approaching turn 4 I’m still in a gear too high due to my earlier oversight.

Once again, I am not braking soon enough or hard enough into corner 4 (the second sets of peaks on the right above).

Turn 5 braking isn’t too bad but where you see the issues I have with not braking hard enough is into the first hairpin, turn 5. As you can see from the right most output my braking (red) is way under the benchmark (blue). Thus, I carry too much speed into the corner, which means I end up turning the wheel for longer and this losing speed out of the corner. As I still hear ringing in my ears from instructors. Bake, brake, brake, keep braking, harder braking….

It is around this point that I start to catch the other car so have to back off while a safe overtake is organised by my instructor. This fact kind of throws out the rest of the lap as a comparison to the benchmark.

The lap could have been better but it was certainly a big improvement from my initial laps. Apart from changing my braking style to suit the track the other real challenge I found was simply the sheer amount of things I needed to think about approaching a corner. I had to discipline myself to break early and hard. I had to manage what gear I was in. I needed to continue to brake longer into the corner for a late entry, faster exit. After breaking I needed to release and kiss the apex and then that point apply the power while looking ahead to the next turn. That a lot to think about for simpleton like me!

Not having done a huge amount of track time as well as being in very different car from my own ‘vintage’ model, all of this combined was challenging to say the least. I think that the more time behind the wheel I got the better and would have been nice to do some longer stints to really reinforce some of the lessons I was trying to learn.

It is however very interesting to see what a handy tool telemetry like this to help you work out what you need to improve. It’s all there in black and white (well red and blue in this case, but you get the idea).

However, in the end I learned a huge amount, made progress and was challenged by the whole experience while really enjoying the whole course (once I got over the initial jitters). Hopefully, that is reflected in these in car videos from the last few runs in both cars.

First in the F12 (above) and

secondly, in the 488 GTB.

As a further illustration here’s the video out from the Vbox monitoring set up (telemetry, video, etc) that was also incorporated in the car and made available to everyone:

and of course we want the identity of the driver here to remain hidden to protect the guilty.

It is again interesting for me to review these videos now as I see all sorts of things that I could correct to improve. Oh so many….Next time. Next time for sure.

The one aspect of my driving that I didn’t need to really worry about was the line and layout of the track. That is no doubt thanks to the ‘investment’ I made for 6 month prior driving the track on my Xbox! Driving simulators do really help as it turns out. So the lesson from that is to go out and get an Xbox if you want to improve your performance on the track when you can’t be on the track!

The end result is that there is still much to learn and for that more track time clearly is required. That’s probably the toughest (and most frustrating) aspect of all this. In that, (being rather competitive), you want to go out and start fixing your issues so you don’t feel or perform like a ham fisted moron behind the wheel. Even more incentive to look at doing another Corso Pilota I suppose. Don’t worry, the planning is already in progress for a return visit.

To have the opportunity to attend a Corso Pilota in Maranello course you firstly need to be a registered Ferrari Owner. This means that Ferrari must know about your car and it basically must visible when you login to http://my.ferrari.com with your details. 

Next, you need to select which dates you wish to attend the course on. You’ll typically find there here – http://store.ferrari.com/events/en/driving-course. Courses run pretty much all year round.

Once you have selected your course dates and there are places available (there is a limit of 28 drivers per course), you’ll need to book and pay for your course online.

Once you have received confirmation of your booking you’ll also receive, as part of the course, 2 nights accommodation at Hotel Una Baggiovara, which is about halfway between Modena in the north and Maranello in the south (https://goo.gl/maps/EuEYNxD1v1A2).

Your fee will also cover transfers too and from the hotel to the Fiorano track, lunch and dinner for the two days of the course as well as refreshments.

You can extend your stay at the hotel (which I did) and I’d recommend you add at least 2 days prior to the event as well as the night after the course completes to avoid a rushed departure.

As you can see, the rooms are very modern with plenty of room. They include a mini bar and a safe as well as free wifi.

The hotel also has a gym, restaurant, bar and garage if required.

I’d recommend the most cost effective method to get to the hotel is a train to Modena station (https://goo.gl/maps/twHhabRxuWk) and then either a taxi (Euro 15) or a private car (Euro 35).

While you are attending the Corso Pilota I’d suggest you also make time for the following:

1. Ferrari factory tour.

This needs to be arranged through your Ferrari dealer prior to departing. Pick a preferred date and you dealer will confirm your tour. Allow at least 2 months prior to departure to arrange this. You will receive a confirmation letter from Ferrari of your tour. Ensure that you bring this along with you to present at reception when you arrive. The tour takes about 4 hours. The factory is located here – https://goo.gl/maps/z3xniP1ApMG2

2. Ferrari museum.

Located just south of the factory (https://goo.gl/maps/MuUHhLLpG8C2). You can purchase a combination ticket for this museum and the Enzo Ferrari museum in Modena. If you have a strong interest in Formula 1 and Ferrari’s history in the sport, allow about 2 hours to fully explore the museum. If your interest doesn’t extend deeply into Formula 1 then allow around 1 hour for this museum.

3. Ferrari store.

Almost directly opposite the Ferrari factory entrance you’ll find the Ferrari store (https://goo.gl/maps/YR2tmz7qhRq).

It is quite large and you can easily spend at least 30 minutes browsing through all the merchandise that is available.

4. Other stores.

There are plenty of other little stores around Maranello that sell all sorts of racing and Ferrari memorabilia. Some of those include:

http://www.shoppingformula1.it/eng/index.php

http://www.giorgiogiochi.com/en/

5. Fiorano track (https://goo.gl/maps/RM418Y3n1AA2).

If you continue along the road where the Ferrari Museum is located and then hang a right a few streets down you’ll end up at the gates to Fiorano. You generally can’t get any further than the gates but there is a nice sign above the entrance that makes for a cool selfie.

6. Drive a Ferrari.

If you really want to take a ride in a Ferrari, there are lots and lots of businesses around that can offer you this including:

http://www.motorsportitalia.it/en/

http://www.pitlaneredpassion.com/eng/test-drive-ferrari

7. Enzo Ferrari Museum transfer.

If you are planning to visit the Enzo Ferrari Museum in Modena then you should purchase your shuttle bus tickets from the offices on the left as you exit the Ferrari Museum. The buses run to a schedule and it takes about 30 minutes to get from Maranello to Modena or visa versa. The schedule for the buses is here:

http://museomaranello.ferrari.com/dedicated-shuttle-service-between-the-two-museums/

8. Ristorante Montana 

(https://goo.gl/maps/nzZMnLjqwe52).

 

About 10 minutes north of the factory is this amazing and famous restaurant. The walls are covered with all sorts of Ferrari memorabilia and you’ll see signatures from famous guests from Formula 1, movies and more. The food is also amazing.

9. Il Cavallino Restaurant (https://goo.gl/maps/L5FcsRPMngA2).  Across the road from the factory.

10. Enzo Ferrari Museum Modena (https://goo.gl/maps/WqdBkHF2VxP2).

This museum is located north in Modena and is serviced by a shuttle bus (Euro 6 one way) that also stops at the Ferrari Museum and Modena railway station.

There is also the engine museum which is housed in a replica workshop right next door.

There is not a huge amount to see in these museums but plenty to read about Enzo’s life and each individual engine. You should probably allow 60 – 90 minutes to fully see both museums.

Now aside from everything Ferrari there are also these sites to interest the motoring enthusiast.

11. Lamborghini Factory Museum.

(https://goo.gl/maps/1jxqGLD6iPB2). This museum is about 30 minutes north east of Modena by car but can also be reached by bus from Bologna.

It is housed over 2 floors and isn’t as extensive as the Ferrari Museum so you should allow 45 – 60 minutes to see it all.

12. Lamborghini Factory tour

Unlike the Ferrari factory tour this tour is available to everyone BUT you must book in advance as places a limited. They run a number of tours throughout the day and to reserve a place visit – https://www.lamborghini.com/en/museum/information/reservation/.

You will normally combine the entry to the factory museum and factory tour together. As these are both out of the way ensure you plan ahead.

13. Museo Ferruccio Lamborghini.

(https://goo.gl/maps/cxFBJnZ91AM2). This museum is dedicate to the man Lamborghini rather that just the car (which is now owned by Audi). It is located further east than the Lamborghini factory and is about 50 minutes drive from Modena.

It contains exhibits from every Ferruccio was involved with, including cars, tractors, boats and even helicopters. unfortunately, it is not in a very central location but is also serviced by a bus from Bologna.

14.Pagani Factory tours.

http://www.pagani.com/en/contacts/pagani_factory_tours/ext/filodirettoev/factory_tour.aspx

15. Ducati Museum.

http://www.ducati.com/company/visit_us/index.do?tab=museum

16. Private Maserati Collection.

http://www.paninimotormuseum.it/index.php. About a 20 minute drive from Modena, situated on a cheese making farm.

Other resources

Private and individual tours of factories – https://www.mymotorland.net/

Group factory tours – http://www.motorstars.org/index.htm

Day 2 of Corso Pilota started much the same way as Day 1, with a bus trip to the Fiorano circuit and a security check at entry. We again headed into the briefing room for some more driving technique tips.

We were also given the bad news that the cones designating the breaking point for each corner had been removed. All that was left were the cones representing the apexes. Oh boy, if I didn’t have enough to worry about already.

Our rotation into the cars commenced again. I was pleased to start with the 488GTB rather than the F12 as yesterday. I still had much to work on but was far more comfortable now than I was at the same time yesterday.

If my favourite corner was the turn onto the bridge (still hard to master though) my most challenging corner was the hair pin as it just seemed you needed to turn in when in fact you needed to wait on the brakes longer. When do wait you have to turn the wheel less and you get out of the corner mush faster. It ‘feels’ wrong based on what I am used to but doing it ‘correctly’ you can certainly see the difference.

The F12 was still a handful and a very different car to drive than the 488GTB. Being bigger, longer and with the engine in the front it is a really hard car to get smoothly around the corners, especially after driving the smaller and nimbler 488GTB. However, I did feel slightly more confident driving the F12 with all the sessions I now had under my belt. My mood had changed from one of anticipation to eagerness to get out there and improve.

At mid morning, our group returned to the skid pan to ‘compete’ in a more challenging car control event. A small course had been mapped out with cones which included both dry and wet sections (with one especially slippery part over a painted Italian flag). We had two laps of the course with the traction control in a different setting, starting with the most assistance first. These settings are changed via the manettino dial on the steering wheel.

Each lap would be timed, with the competition being between individuals and groups. Nothing like a bit of competition to get the ‘red mist’ going. Before being let loose on the skid pan ourselves we were taken for a ‘demonstration’ ride with our instructors. Got to say that I’m glad I wasn’t doing this session right after lunch!

After getting my eye balls to stop spinning I awaited my turn behind the wheel. If there was ever a chance to really throw a 488GTB around, now was it and I can tell you it was a blast. Tight corners, followed by a short straight, then hard breaking and through the wet all with the clock ticking was beyond fun. Gas, gas, gas, brake, brake, brake, gas again… was the standard instruction we received via radio from the instructor.

Again, it is amazing how much difference the electronics of the car makes when you throwing it around like this. With all the controls on you can look like a real expert just as readily as if you turn them all off you look like a blithering idiot!.

All too soon the skid pan session was over and it was back again to the main track to bang in some more laps before lunch. Like I said previously, you really do get a lot of laps with the course.

We then adjourned for a hot Italian lunch again washed down with coffee.

Many took the opportunity to also grab a bit of shut eye and look out across the track before the action kicked off again.

We were soon back on the track but this time our lap would be recorded via telemetry. Again, I’ll post this up at a later date but it compares you against a instructor so you can exactly what you are doing incorrectly.

It probably would have been much better if they didn’t tell us that they would be recording the whole laps. Chances are I would have made less mistakes. As it was I muffed up the gears and ended up in higher gear that I should have around a number of corners. Damm you paddle shift!

After the telemetry session you are able to sit down with an instructor a look at the exact results compared with an instructor. You can see where you got it right and where you got it wrong. For me still, the biggest issue was not breaking hard enough at the approach to a corner. More work to be done there, however I did feel that I was getting better through the hairpin which was my bogey point on the track.

We now had a quick announcement that our last sessions were here and the instructors we going to take a much more passive role in the car to see how we did without instruction.

Although probably not exactly ‘correct’ I did feel I performed well in these last sessions. Still plenty to work on, but I was around all the corners much better and my braking into each had certainly improved. My instructors were also happy with my progress which is a reassuring thumbs up and confidence boost for me after having to overcome many self imposed mental barriers initially.

My instructors did comment that I did much better on these final laps compared to the telemetry laps. Just shows you how a little pressure can cause you to stuff things up just when you think you have it all together. Heaven knows how race drivers do this sort of stuff.

No sooner had it started, then it was over. We handed in our helmets, gathered our gear and headed to the briefing room for the round up and presentations.

Everyone received a certificate of completion and a memory stick with photos, videos and more. We said good bye and thanks to the instructors and the Ferrari staff who had made this event so memorable. We bade farewell to new friends as some boarded the bus, others drove away in the own cars or via other arrangements.

As the bus pulled away from Fiorano, it was sad that it was all over but I felt a sense of accomplishment in leaving with more skill than when I arrived. Combine that with the unique experience of driving these cars in way that you are unlikely to ever be able to do elsewhere and there was a contentment knowing that these were two very special days in your life.

Upon arrival at the hotel it was time to grab some well earned shut eye and start saving for the return trip to Fiorano as soon as possible.

It was now lunch so we all adjourned the room where we had our briefing at the start of the day for a hot Italian lunch. Over here, lunch is the biggest meal of the day and socially the most important. That means there was no shortage of great food to enjoy. Traditionally, not being a big lunch person and knowing that our group was next on the skid pan I decided to keep lunch very petit.

Once the lunch break was complete we jumped in a van for the short trip from the main garage to the skid pan where two 488 awaited us.

A figure eight course had been set up and liberally applied with water. The idea was to turn the electronic aids off in the car and then see how well we could control the power in slippery conditions.

It is a bit intimidating to get behind the wheel of a car like this and then be told to ‘lose control’. The initial worry for most is not knowing the figure eight course layout, which is only marked by cones. However, it is surprising how quickly you visualise the ‘virtual’ track when you are out there. If you also want to know where those 30 kilometres of travel are when you pick up your Ferrari then we think we know know! All in the names of testing, of course.

Since there weren’t any initial takers I thought I might as well go for a ‘spin’. I can tell you with this much horse power at the disposal of your right foot getting out of control is pretty easy. Staying in control through tight turns also requires a lot of work at the wheel. However, at the end of the day it is brilliant fun and a real learning experience.

What is really interesting is when you turn all the electronic control back on how rarely the car will actually lose control. That’s the smarts that are now built into these cars. Truly impressive stuff, and something you don’t appreciate until you get the opportunity to play like we did.

Our group returned to the main garage complex and this time our drives were to out of the ‘box’ or the main garage.

So the rest of the afternoon was again spent trying to master the correct driving technique and for me braking hard enough early enough into the corners. I can still hear my instructor ‘Brake, brake, brake more…’, and regular response ‘Damm, damm and more damm’.

Each participant is provided with a memory card which you plug into the vehicle before you set off. Onto this card gets saved all sorts of information including videos of your sessions (which I’ll post up in a little while). Having all these sessions available is going to be great for review later. I haven’t as yet had a chance to go through all these yet. I’m saving that for when I get back home and return to being ‘boring’ as a way to remind me of my time on the course.

The recoding of the sessions onto the memory card is just one of the ‘quality’ offerings of the course. You have a personal ‘host’ assigned to your group who informs you of what car you are next scheduled to drive and for those who have wandered off, they also come and find you. There is plenty of food and drink available in a cafe inside the garage. There are also photographers walking around taking pictures so you don’t necessarily have to worry about recording the memories. The whole course has been well thought out and produced so you can focus on the driving.

During the afternoon I was beginning to make progress and had ‘graduated’ to using the paddle shift in both cars. However, that meant I had more things now to think about, which again meant that the chance of mistakes was dramatically increased but using the paddles, or driving in manual, certainly gave you more control and was also basically more fun.

At one stage I remember looking down at the speedo, while rocketing down the straight, and being pretty sure it read just over 200 kmph! Wow. The more your drive, the better your technique gets (slowly) and the faster you go. The course does not time your laps and it is not until you step out of the car after your drive that you realise, ‘Hey I just drove a Ferrari’.

I will also say that you plenty of time in both cars. Although your sessions are short (clearly to reduce fatigue and errors) you are swapped to another ride very quickly. The timings is great, because you have time to grab a drink or go to the toilet, have a bit of a rest and then you are back behind the wheel again.

Kudos goes to the instructors who are in the passenger seats pretty much constantly. You are never out their on your own, they are always riding shotgun giving you help to improve your driving. It is certainly humbling to be constantly told what you need to do to improve but it is all done with the aim helping you improve and get more enjoyment from the cars. Tough love, as they say.

The track part of the day was now over and we all headed back to the bus all buzzing about the experience.

We had about a 90 minute break to get refreshed and then we were off to dinner in Bologna. The location for this was Palazzo Albergati. This basically a summer palace for some very influential people in Bologna’s history.

We were treated to a short guided tour and then dinner in the wine cellars.

With dinner over it was back on the bus to the hotel. I am not afraid to say that by now I was totally and utterly knackered and couldn’t wait to hit the sack. It had been a huge day and my mind was still full of everything that I’d done and all the things that I need to do to improve my driving tomorrow. The Corso Pilota was now half over for me but I was keen to go at again and this time I’d be far more prepared and less intimidated of getting behind the wheel of a Ferrari at speed.

The day started early with a wake up call around 7am.

We all then jumped on the provided bus for the short trip to Maranello and the Fiorano circuit. I won’t lie to you that there were butterflies in my stomach as well as good deal of anticipation of the days ahead.

Upon at arrival at Fiorano we had our identities checked at the gate before proceeding inside the complex.

After unloading from the bus we where directed towards the buildings in front of us. Outside, arrayed before us, was all our instructors as well as the cars we would be driving (488’s and F12’s).

We then received a briefing outlining the two upcoming days and what to expect. We also received some theory on the aspects of how to quick and smooth around a circuit.

From there it was off to the cars where we had been divided into four groups, each assigned two instructors that would stay with us through out the course.

We donned our helmets and awaited our turn behind the wheel for our inaugural laps.

Our first experience of the Fiorano track was from the passengers seat as the instructor took us around in each of the cars (F12 and 488GTB) to give us an idea of the layout. At each corner there were turning points and apexes marked with cones to give us a better idea of how we should be approaching each corner. It was also good to get a feel of how these cars can motor when in the hands of professionals.

My first session was in an F12 and I’m not afraid to tell you that I found this car extremely intimidating to drive. The power this thing has is phenomenal, however not only did I have the challenge of never driving something with this much grunt but also it was my first time driving a paddle shift as well as driving from the left side of the car.

For my first driving session I left the car in ‘auto’ (i.e. allow edit to change the gears) and launched onto the track. It was soon apparent that I was in for a lot of learning over the next two days. My biggest problem was that I was not breaking hard enough initially into a corner. The normal technique used when driving a daily is to start lightly on the brakes and increase pressure. Here the opposite applies, you need to be hard on the brakes straight away and then release as you approach the turning point. It was going to be something I would constantly battle for two days.

I was glad to get my first driving session out of the way to overcome some of the jitters. The F12 was going to be a hard car to drive smoothly on the circuit, but boy oh boy can that thing motor! Put your foot down and it just takes off. However, driving on a circuit quickly is more than just putting the boot in, it is all about being smooth and flowing from corner to corner at speed. This was going to be hard to do in the F12, especially given my limitations.

My next ride was in the 488GTB and oh boy what a different car this to the F12. I personally found this so much easier to drive. Of course it is a completely different configuration, mid-engined, turbo charged, lighter and lower. The difference for me was stark.

I still struggled with the same braking issue as before but I felt much better after doing a few laps in the 488GTB.

The session continued with our group rotating through both cars in sequence. Basically, we each got a few laps with the instructor next to us guiding us through the turning, braking and lines. It is amazing a how tired you get when you do a track day. Clearly, it is heightened level of concentration as well as the fear of the unknown here that really takes it out of you and all that was just before lunch time!

The day dawned bright and sunny again in Modena. Is it always like this? Seems so at the moment, although apparently just a week or so ago it was raining constantly. There is a God! And I thank him very much for ensuring it is bright and sunny for my visit. We still could do with a little reduction in ambient temperature but I’ll take that over rain any day.

My journey’s today were with My Motor Land, whom I had arranged a private tour with everything ‘non-Ferrari’. This included a tour of the Lamborghini factory arranged via my Lambo contacts back in Australia.

I was greeted at my hotel door at the allotted time by Rosella from My Motor Land and my town car and driver. Cool! Our first stop was to be the Maserati Private Collection.

Basically the story here is that Umberto Panini bought a whole range of cars that were to be auction off by Maserati a number of years ago. He did this so they could be retained in the local Modena region, in this case on his farm.

Now you might be wondering what the farm actually does? Well, it makes world renown Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. I got to see where they milk cows, then use that milk to create cheese and finally to see where they age the cheese (as you see above). The cheese is aged for 24 – 36 months and each one of the cheese rolls weigh about 30 kgs and there are about 3,000 or so of them here currently. You can find out more information about the farm here – www.hombre.it. I also got to taste some of the product in the shop they have here, from which you also purchase a range of produce.

The private car collection is housed in a separate structure and contains a surprising amount of not only cars (on the lower floor) but also bikes (on the upper floor).

 

From there we headed to the Lamborghini factory for what I thought would be a tour organised by my contacts in Australia, however it appears that the wires got crossed and it wasn’t to be. Luckily, Rossella arranged for me to attend an afternoon tour (as you need to book in advance). Can’t tell you how handy it was having a native as a tour guide.

With my factory tour arranged for later in the day we now headed off to the Ferrucio Lamborghini museum. This museum is dedicated to the man Lamborghini and to everything he achieved over his life time. Don’t forget that Lamborghini is now owned by Audi.

The museum is quite out of the way, so it really doesn’t get many visitors, which is unfortunate as it is a good little museum that houses things like Ferruccio’s own Mura (above).

Apart from the cars, Lamborghini is most famous for the tractors he created.

You’ll even find a working helicopter that he designed and built in here.

After an authentic Italian lunch we returned to the factory with enough time for me to also take in the museum prior.

The museum basically has two floors with a range of cars.

from old to new.

The factory tour takes about 40 minutes and you once again have to surrender your phone and camera as no photos are allowed inside the plant.

At the moment there only two type of cars being built, the Huracan and the Aventador (V10 and V12). The plant is much smaller than the Ferrari factory and much more manual than Ferrari. The assembly line concepts are similar but Ferrari to me seems far more automated and modern. The Lamborghini plant has a much ‘smaller’ feel to it.

 

Interestingly, Lamborghini are soon to start building a third model of car, an SUV like you see above. They reckon there is a market, but we’ll soon see eh?

Tour over, I returned to my ride for the 30 minute or so return trip to my hotel.

 

At about 6pm I headed downstairs to register for my Corso Pilota. After basically signing my life away I received the above ‘swag’. A backpack, polo shirt, baseball hat, program and bag.

After a cocktail reception at the back of the hotel we headed into a room to receive an overview of the course and to have any questions answered.

We then jumped on a bus to head off for dinner at a famous local restaurant, Montana’s.

I’d been give a number of recommendations to attend and certainly had it on my ‘to see’ list but actually being here as part of Corso Pilota made it even more special.

Here you can see the walls adorned with all sorts of memorabilia from drivers to celebrities all leaving their mark.

I was lucky enough to sit with some of the course instructors and managers, getting a good overview of what’s in store starting tomorrow. Also again, enjoyed a fantastic Italian meal. I highly recommend you come here if you are in the vicinity.

It’s now time for a good night’s sleep because tomorrow’s going to be a big day. So excited.

Modena awoke to another brilliantly sunny day, without a cloud in the sky but a California T parked off to the side of the entrance of my hotel. All that signalled it would be a good day.

My car service arrived on time and whisked me away to Maranello and to the front door of Ferrari in about 20 minutes. I was way to early for my 10am tour, so after proving my credentials at reception I set off to kill some time nearby.

Even the Ferrari store across the road wasn’t yet open, so all I could do was peer in the window and try and not leave smudge marks as I pressed my face to the glass.

Now what did strike me when I was looking in the store was what appeared to be any old exhaust manifold as you can see above.

However, when I checked the price (and picked myself up off the ground), I thought about all those Ferrari parts I have laying around back home. Surely, they must be worth SOMETHING if someone is will to pay this much for a used exhaust manifold! Maybe I can pay for my whole trip with my closet of spares? I wonder …

With my tour time approaching I return to Ferrari reception at Via Abetone Inferiore 4 and was waved into the ‘waiting’ room to the left of the reception desk to await my tour.

You wouldn’t believe that as I soon as I stepped into the room there was another Ferrari Club member from Australia! Small world eh? It was good to have someone familiar to chat with about our travels amongst everyone else waiting for a tour.

Now my invitation letter for the tour had simply said to be at reception by 10am and to bring the invitation, which I did. Turns out that the invitation fails to inform you of two VERY important points that failure to abide by will result in you forgoing the tour.

Item 1. You must bring photo ID. My passport was back in the safe in my hotel room but luckily I had my drivers license with me that sufficed.

Item 2. Long pants. SAY WHAT??? Yes, you can’t come on the tour in shorts. Given that I was dressed appropriately for the Italian summer IN SHORTS, this was going to be a BIG problem. Why? Because my closet set of long pants was 20 minutes away in my hotel. Awe crap.

The resolution to the problem that item 2 raised for me was that my ONLY option was to pop across the road to the Ferrari store and buy some long pants. Hmmm…sounds like this was a plot hatched with commercial intent eh? When it was pointed out that exposing ones calf’s was only a problem if you were male still fell on deaf ears my last lifeline was extinguished. Ok, I get it. Hi ho, hi ho, it’s off to the Ferrari store we go.

Still not being quite 10am yet the store was yte to open, however I was greeted by another poor soul in shorts who also needed to make an urgent purchase like me. We both felt a little better that we had not being singled out for special ‘bare leg’ treatment.

Store opens. Store staff immediately point us towards the pants section (happens all the time they say. Really? You think?) and I select a fashionable pair of blue trousers that at least fit my girth and could also be used after their functional purpose this morning. I shed my offending shorts into the official Ferrari store bag and I’m good to go. Fastest pants purchase I have EVER made!

With items paid for (including a 20% discount as owners – cool) and now dressed in appropriate garb we returned to the ‘waiting room’ again with those yet to see the inside of the Ferrari store and make an ‘emergency’ purchase.

We then received our radios so we could listen along to the commentary provided. We had the cameras on our phones covered with stickers and then were divided into two groups and loaded aboard two shuttle buses.

First stop was the fabrication plant where they make a lot of the engine components. Next was the V8 assembly line, followed by the V12 line.

About 80% of the cars assembled are V8’s and 20% V12’s. They aim to make around 25 V8 car’s a day and about 12 V12’s a day. The V8 engines are assembled in stages with different workers assembling a different section of the engine, while the V12 engines are built by a single worker.

The assembly lines periodically advance each car every 20 minutes or so to the next station, with the whole floor section carrying the car moving. Also roaming the floor are a number of ‘platform’ style robots. We saw one carry an assembled engine and move it into position under the body of the car and then ‘marry’ it to the frame. All the workers do is screw it in, the machine does all the alignment.

We also got to see a windscreen being installed, again all done by robots. It takes a little while to check the alignment but once it has done this, wham, the windscreen is on in a split second.

We then went and had a look at the XX division where FXX, 5XX and FXXK cars are held.Also in this area are the F1 cars purchased by owners that Ferrari maintains and brings to track meets for the owners to drive. Seriously exclusive stuff that, however seriously impressive to see all these ‘vintage’ F1 racing cars lined up in one garage. All this is housed just off the Fiorano track, where I’ll be in a matter of days.

Back on the bus and off to the new building for the F1 team. In here we actually saw both Seb’s and Kimi’s F1 cars being prepared for the next Grand Prix. Looks like a very interesting place but not much is on show here so the team can maintain their secrets and any cutting edge advantages they glean.

Next stop was the Museo Ferrari, which is just around the corner from the factory. Although we didn’t have to pay for entry, we were whisked through all the exhibits quite quickly (as we had of course started late for some UNKNOWN reason! Like someone having to get long pants!). I knew I’d be coming back after this tour completed anywaybut it was good to get an overview none the less.

The final stop on our tour was the place it had all started for me, the Ferrari store, where we all received a ‘gift’ (an Official Ferrari magazine and thanks from our guides).

So here’s my booty from the tour. A magazine, official ‘guest’ pass, earphones (from our radio), as well as the tag from my new set of pants.

Speaking of which, it was now becoming somewhat annoying that my new purchase was constantly falling down. So in line with the ‘merchandise conspiracy’ I also purchased an ostentatious, bright red Scuderia Ferrari cloth belt to hold my pants up. They have this whole thing worked out don’t they? Just when your pants are falling down that you bought originally from this place, do you find yourself with the need to buy something to hold up your new purchase that you HAD to have to go on the exclusive factory tour in exactly the place where they are able to sell you something to solve the problem eh?

All joking aside, the tour was fantastic. It ran for over 4 hours and apart from being Ferrari, the whole assembly process is amazing. The thought they have put into designing the layout of the factory and the focus they have on ergonomics and productivity is something to behold. If you ever have the opportunity to do a Ferrari factory tour do it! Just make sure you bring photo ID and WEAR LONG PANTS!

From the store I headed back to the museum, passing a F355 baking the sun. How could you be so cruel?

Don’t believe me when I say it was hot? If you can’t read the temperature in the above photo it says 34 degree C. Smokin’

I purchased a dual entry ticket for Museo Ferrai and Museo Enzo in Modena.

The museum has two main levels and you start on the ground floor with the supercar exhibit where you can see things like this F12 TDF.

You’ll also find cars like the GTO, F40, F50, Enzo and La Ferrari.

At this point I couldn’t control myself when I heard someone authoritively explain that the La Ferrari was 8 cylinders. Excusi Signore, ma La Ferrari ha 12 cilindri!

 

You then have a hall full of major F1 cars and driver history along with many of the victory trophies you can see on the wall in the back.

The rest of the floor is pretty much dedicated to F1 cars.

However, there is also a room full of other racing cars.

All in all, you’ll absolutely love museum if you are a Ferrari and F1 fan. You’ll enjoy it a bit less if you are just a Ferrari fan. You’ll be done in less than 20 minutes if you’re not really into cars at all. However, for the true fans there is well over an hours worth of time you can spend here working through all the exhibits and taking billions of photos like I did.

My next stop was going to be in Modena at the Enzo Ferrari museum. To get there would mean I needed to take a shuttle bus that runs on a regular schedule. The ticket price of 6 euro is not included in the museums entry price. You need to purchase the ticket from the tourist information area outside the main museum entry (left as you exit the museum facing the road).

With bus ticket in hand and with a little while to occupy I meandered up the main drag a ways to look at all the businesses that offers paid rides in Ferrari’s. Of course I allowed myself to be solicited being more than willing to pay top dollar on the proviso that I could drive a manual car! That is, not one with a flappy pad shift. Suffice to say that I was able to retain all my money. Luckily, I do know a place where I can get such an itch scratched.

The shuttle bus takes about 30 minutes to travel back to Modena and also stops at the railway station before the Enzo Ferrari museum.

The brick house you see at the front is a restoration of the workshop that Enzo Ferrari’s father worked in. Behind this is, in dome shaped structure is the main Enzo museum.

The museum contains the history of Enzo around the walls in text and pictures, while the centre contains a number of notable and famous Ferrari’s (mainly from Hollywood movies).

The premier model is of course the F355 (well, that’s what I think and whom do you think is writing this after all!).

There is also a regular multimedia summary of Enzo’s story that is projected onto a large screen so everyone inside can see.

The final Ferrari stop for the day was the workshop museum just outside the dome that houses a variety of Ferrari engines. From F1 cars, to production models, even to boats, you’ll be able to get a close to them and have good look.

Here’s the F355 engine on display.

With hunger beginning to set in it was time to find a place to eat.

I headed to the America Graffiti Diner just around the corner from the museum. Like most dining places here in Italy they don’t open until at least 7pm, so I had to wait outside for a little while.

It was nice to have a change from the all pasta diet tonight but given they didn’t speak much ‘American’ the place lost a few marks for authenticity in my books. However, the burger and milkshake were great and I can certainly recommend a visit if you are nearby after a hard day of everything Ferrari.

After dinner, I wandered back to the railway station, which was nearby, and caught a cab back to my hotel. That cost about 15 euro and took about 20 minutes.

Time for a good sleep to get ready to visit the other motoring icons in and around Modena. More on that tomorrow, so stay tuned.

My day started with the tourist ‘cage match’ that is Florence railway station where I waited to board my first train to Bologna, where I would then change to the train to Modena.

I was a bit puzzled when the arrival platform for my Bologna train had not appeared on the board. Stupidly, I had been looking at the ‘delayed by’ column not the platform column. D’Oh. I grabbed my bags and headed towards the platform, still with plenty of time up my sleeve.

I doubled checked the screens on the platform and only had to wait a few moments until my high speed ride arrived. Now, Italian rail carriages for high speed trains are numbered, typically one through eleven (plus an engine at either end). I had booked a ride in the business/first class section which meant my carriage was going to either be really, really close or really, really far away.

Having lost today’s lucky carriage draw, I hustled to the other end of the platform to board the right carriage and find my ‘executive’ seat for the thirty minute or so trip to Bologna.

Upon arriving at Bologna Centrale I had about twenty minutes to find my connecting regional train to Modena. The intercity trains are at the lower levels of this rather large station, while the traditional regional ones are above at ground level. To add further complications, there are also east and west platforms with the same numbering. In my case, I was heading for platform one, west.

Thanks to good signage, it wasn’t too hard to find the right platform and I jumped on board. Whoopsie. Forgot that for this regional train I’m in second class not first. Off the train again. Some more hustle. On the train again in second class where I’m meant to be. I hoisted my main bag up into the overhead racks, tucked my other bag under my legs as I settle back for the thirty minute or so ride to Modena.

Upon arriving at Modena I was surprised at the number of people not only alighting but also milling around on the platform. I thought this was a sleepy little village! Obviously not. I joined the crowd leaving the train.

I exited the station and was pleased to find my car service waiting for me. There’s nothing better to boost your ego that sliding into the back of a big black BMW while the driver takes care of your bags. No simple taxi for me. No sir-ee.

My accommodation for the next few days is Hotel Una, halfway between Modena and Maranello.

I attempted to pay for my transfer using my credit card but needed some help in ‘authorising’ the payment. Basically I needed to use the driver’s iPhone screen for the charge, ‘signing’ with my finger. Ah ha, no tap and pay or swipe here. Ah, I get it now. He accepted the payment, even though it looked more like a daffodil on the screen than my signature. Transaction complete none the less.

The news was also good when I checked into reception that they were expecting me (you never know now do you?) and had a room for me. Best of all, it included WiFi. Praise the Lord. Where would we be without WiFi!

Interestingly, here’s a summary of what is required by the hotel, and I quote:

“Dear Guest, in the hotel industry an Italian law regulates the usage of internet access provided by a company and prohibits anonymous usage. Therefore the company has to acquire your personal data and keep it within a register.

The communication of your personal data is mandatory. Without the acquirement of your data the usage of the internet is not allowed.

Your personal data will be processes by an officer (licencee) of the company and its representative, the information will be kept confidential.

In reference to the data collected mentioned above you have the rights mentioned in article 7 of the Italian privacy law”.

Each device you use that connects to the internet has a unique login and password so it can be identified. Not a huge issue (as I can go full stealth if I need to), but interesting to note this is the first time I have seen this throughout my travels in Italy.

The room is quite nice as you can see.

and importantly contains a safe as well air conditioning you can manually set to be as cool as you want. FINALLY! I will be testing the lower limits to see how low it can actually go.

The bathroom is also quite modern. The only thing that was lacking was an ironing board but I got reception to deliver one to me so I can look less ruffled for the week. You wanna make a good impression and all now don’t you? Not having ruffled and creased clothes helps.

The view from the room is not exactly what you’d call ‘picturesque’ but hey, I’m not here to look out of hotel windows!

My initial plans were to rush back to Modena and catch some of the traditional sites but as soon as I discovered I could set my air conditioning to being as cold as I wanted, that put and end to that idea. Instead I took a showered and headed downstairs for a late pasta lunch and coffee. That being just as ‘touristy’ I figure.

On the same floor as my room is the ‘wellness’ centre (i.e. corporate speak for gym), but it also has a nice balcony overlooking the surrounding area and seems like a good place to while away the evening once the Italia summer sun gets turned down a notch or two.

So I’m now settling in, doing the chores (i.e. ironing) and watching Top Gear in Italian. What a life eh? Tomorrow is my my Ferrari owners factory tour following by the Ferrari museums and everything else Ferrari. Stay tuned, because there will be lots of photos!

Well the time is drawing near for me to depart to the other side of the world, to the land of the supercar and home of Ferrari. As an owner you have the opportunity to take a restricted tour of the factory (no photos allowed), which I am happy to say that I have now organised and received confirmation for.

I’ll be in the Maranello/Modena area for about 5 days. Two of these will be attending the Corsa Pilota as I have mentioned but I’ve now just about finished mapping out plans for the others days. One morning will be the factory tour, which runs for about 3 hours after which I’ll take a stroll to the nearby Ferrari store for a look and see. One of the biggest challenges I have found with purchasing official merchandise via the Ferrari online store is that most items are tailored for that slim European fit, which unfortunately is not my body size. I’ll be interested to see if the premier Ferrari store actually has clothing that will fit me!

After that I plan on strolling along to the Ferrari Museum not far away to while away most of the remainder of the afternoon. I’m not exactly sure how long I’ll spend here but I’m aiming to take a late afternoon shuttle from this museum to the Enzo Ferrari Museum back in Modena. That should take me through to early evening, where I can grab something to eat and head back to the hotel.

The following day I have arranged to do some other supercar marque touring, with my main aim being a tour of Lamborghini. Luckily, I have some local contacts that I trying to arrange something a bit different. Hopefully, that will pan out in the morning and the afternoon I’ll take in something like Maserati. Unfortunately, Pagini is close during my time.

The final appointment for that day should be dinner with all the other Corsa Pilota attendees. Then it’ll be to be bed for a good night’s sleep and then two days of high speed driving and instruction at Fiorano.

Hopefully, I’ll have internet access and the energy to post my experiences from these days in Maranello and Modena, so stay tuned for updates. It’s going to be fun!