Corso Pilota on Ice - anyone going?

I'm registered for the February 4-5, 2013 session in Cervinia Italy. Any one with past experience on Ferrari's winter driving course? Anyone going to this year's course? I didn't see any threads in Driver Training forum so I posted in FF area.

Dave

 

ChalStrad:

I have one of the ten FF Neiman Marcus edition cars so the winter driving course was part of the package. I picked up my vehicle at 258 miles last summer and FNA allowed the unused course allocation to transfer with ownership (original owner waived right to course). With the course cost covered I can justify using air miles to fly business class to Milan and taking some extra days in Milan and Venice for holiday. My wife is ready to shop and I'm ready to try out a FF on ice/snow.

Dave

 

ChalStrad:

My wife worked 14 years in visual (men's fashion) for Neiman Marcus in Virginia so she knows high-end clothing. I'm 6'2" at 330 lbs (former rugby player - 60" chest, 48" waist, with legs like tree trunks) so nothing out of Milan shops is going on my frame. However I'm certain that my wife will find something for herself. Plans in Venice are for quick trip to Murano to get additional glass items commissioned to match a chandelier that we bought back in 2007. It's still going to be a 'costly' trip. I didn't suggest going to Maranello (and 'looking' at F12) since we're in midst of a remodel/addition on our second home.

Dave

 

Just finished the two day driving course in Cervinia Italy (February 4-5 session). Very intense with progression from driving in ice mode to esc off on manettino by end of day one. Instruction was top notch and we had a competitive group of attendees. Doing hot lap at end of course with world class instructors really illustrates the capabilities of the FF. I will not beat up my personal FF at this level but I improved my personal skill level immensely but don't aspire to be a rally driver. Took numerous photos and Ferrari had photos from training sessions and video. Will sort out when we get back to USA later this weekend.

Dave

 

The South African Jan kicked butt on the challenge and received special recognition at the diploma ceremony. He was a really nice guy and was in my 'yellow' group. He was excellent in most activities and really hit the turns at the slalom challenge which was key to win. Consistent performance all around!

Dave

 

They had winter tires with some spikes added for additional ice traction. So not the standard Pirelli SottoZero set that I use for winter driving on my personal FF.

Dave

 

Photo of tires being used at ice track.

Dave
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Quick photo of our yellow team group. The South African who won the timed challenge on the February 4-5 session is in red sweater at one end. I'm in blue fleece and wind-stopper hat with shades at other end. Second shot is view from pit lane as I enter vehicle (provided just for perspective to see mountains in background). Shots are courtesy of Ferrari who provided over 1000 photos at end of course to participants. Sergio (white jacket with red scarf) and Thomas were our assigned group driving instructors (great guys!).

Dave
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Over the two days we had everything from clear and cold in morning (icy surface) to mid-day slush as sun warmed things up. By mid-afternoon, it would typically re-freeze. We had some passing snow as well. A variety of conditions to test the performance of the car. Every run was different thru-out the day. Once again the attached snapshots were part of the photos provided by Ferrari to the drivers at the end of the course.


Dave
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Final course shot (again provided by Ferrari) with all the instructors and participants at close of course.

My wife went as guest so she got a lap of track with instructor. Final shot of me receiving my diploma. In yellow team our inside joke was that I was certain to be recognized as the most improved American driver. The joke is that I was the only American at the course!

Dave
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