Going to be in Italy Oct 3rd, anyone need me to check on their car?
Have fun. It'd be fun checking out the 599's etc. they're making now. See if you can notice many US version cars?(red and amber side markers) Also, fish around for anything on a 430CS.
Guys, I need some advice. I will be in Lake Como Italy on October 5, leaving October 6. I have to get to Nurburgring by Oct 8, maybe the 9th (early in the day) at the absolute latest. As a huge Ferrari fan and F1 fan, I am torn - once I leave Lake Como on the 6th, do I go to Monaco (to see the streets that form the GP circuit, see the casino, and drive the coastal French riveria), or do I go to Maranello to see the factory? Which would you do if you only had 2 days to get to Nurburgring after going to one of these? I would do both if I had more time, but right now I am leaning towards Monaco. Keep in mind, Lake Como -> the 'ring is already a long drive: http://maps.google.com/maps?saddr=Lake+Como,+Italy&daddr=53518+Adenau,+Germany&f=li&hl=en&ie=UTF8&z=6&ll=47.502359,8.4375&spn=10.928121,29.399414&om=1 All opinions are appreciated!
I think you're supposed to have a tour date booked- I would call your dealer in the AM and see what he can do.
If you haven't already booked the factory tour months ago your simply not going to get in. The Museum is about all you can see without prior approval/reservations. My arrangements were made back in July, and we were just barely accomodated. I think it's easier to visit the Pentagon!
Even so, how did you book it? I still plan to make a solid attempt, and I would like to try any possible route. After all, it's not often I'll be within a few hundred kms of the factory.
As said above--it has to be booked through FNA, via an authorized US dealer. It wouldn't hurt to call your local dealer--there are occasional cancellations, but you are likely basically hosed unless you are already scheduled. Plus, if you don't have a close relationship with a dealer--you are also toast. Security at the factory is quite tight--there is no chance that you can just show up and "join in" a tour.
I have been to Monaco in late October.The city was half empty and the weather was little chilly and wet. I would say go to Maranello.At least you know what to expect.
I am from near Barcelona (Spain) and I have been in Monaco (three times) and in Maranello (only one time)...both are amazing, but if you are a huge Ferrari fan I recommend Maranello. All the streets of Maranello are impregned of racing admosphere (restaurants, shops, Ferrari flags decoring homes, etc), you will probably see latest models...really strongly recomendable. Montecarlo is "the perfect city": all clean, all in order, megayachts, Ferrari, Bentley, etc. but does not have the Ferrari athmosphere that you will find in Maranello. Ah! an strong recommendation: try to visit Maranello during the week (not week end). And, if you can visit the factory, don't think more: GO TO MARANELLO!!!! ENJOY!!!
This is 100% correct. It must start with your dealer, you must own a ferrari, they must endorse you, the factory must approve you, then you supply them with three possible dates, if approved Ferrari will pick one of the dates. They only have English speaking tours once & sometimes twice a week. I was lucky even with 3 months lead time, my last choice for a visit was permitted. You then receive a printed certificate from the Factory which must be brought with you & is non-transferrable. Tight Security is an under-statement.
I do respect that you have reached the ranks of ownership, and get certain privelages by it. I hope to be there soon. I don't want to say anything prematurely, but if everything works out I should be buying my first 360 within a month. Regardless, I will still make a good attempt. If it doesn't work out, then I'll end up in Monaco this time and Maranello next time. I am enough of a Ferrari fan that I am making a last minute trip to Brazil just to see Michael and Ferrari win the championship, and to see Michael's last race. So if they grant tours based on how much someone really likes Ferrari, I think I'd be pretty high on the list. FYI, it's not too fun to try for a visa from Brazil and worry about getting your passport back on time to go to Europe beforehand! But it is a huge deal to me to see them win. Does anyone know if there will be any tours given on Oct 6? If so, I'd love to know if it's possible to join. That being said, should I talk to my local dealer, or is there anyone else on the forum who may be able to help arrange it?
One more Q: October 6 is right before the Chinese GP, so I assume the whole team will be in China, but is there any chance I will see anyone testing at Fiorano that day?
Hope your new 360 works out for you. The Factory Tour thing is kind of ridiculous. My dealer has told me many who even own Ferrari's are declined (for whatever reason) he shared some interesting facts regarding what Ferrari consider's loyalty, and that is "8 to 10" previously owned cars from the same dealer. He claims he had to turn down several Billionaires from buying an Enzo at MSRP because they lacked the proper "History" too many politics for me. Anyway, good luck in your travels!
Factory tour was great. Booked mine 1 week before going. Here are some pics (need a RENNTEAM id to see) http://www.rennteam.com/showflat.php?Cat=0&Board=ferrari&Number=256018&page=0&fpart=1
