Ferrari test day at Fiorano | FerrariChat
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Ferrari test day at Fiorano

Discussion in 'Other Racing' started by Gary(SF), Apr 17, 2005.

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  1. Gary(SF)

    Gary(SF) F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2003
    3,637
    Los Altos Hills, CA
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    Gary B.
    #1 Gary(SF), Apr 17, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    Just got back from the Ferrari Owner Site F1 test day at Fiorano on 4/15. What a fabulous event! Our group of 24, including FChatters John and Carol Knight from Texas and Patriek from Belgium, was lucky enough to get perfect weather (not guaranteed in Italy in April by any means) and Michael Schumacher's presence. I urge any owner with interest in F1 to try to take part in a future offer. Ferrari went out of their way to give us extraordinary access considering how hard the team is working to try to turn the season around. At times, I was close enough to hear the conversation between Michael and his race engineer, and of course just hearing the shriek of the F2005 passing a few feet from us on the track was worth the effort of the trip alone. I am very impressed that Ferrari cares enough about their owner community to arrange these events, I assure you they do not do it for the money.

    Gary
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  2. Moopz

    Moopz F1 Veteran
    Owner Rossa Subscribed

    Jun 29, 2004
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    Orlando, FL
    #2 Moopz, Apr 17, 2005
    Wow, looks like a fabulous opportunity! That would be a dream come true to make it out there.
     
  3. damcgee

    damcgee Formula 3

    Feb 23, 2003
    1,864
    Mobile, AL
    #3 damcgee, Apr 17, 2005
    Gary, surely you don't think these few pictures will satisfy us? Come on! We want 30 more!
     
  4. Dino 208gt4

    Dino 208gt4 F1 World Champ

    Jun 24, 2003
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    Roel
    #4 Dino 208gt4, Apr 17, 2005
    You must have at least 130 pictures!!
     
  5. tifosi12

    tifosi12 Four Time F1 World Champ
    Lifetime Rossa Owner

    Oct 3, 2002
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    #5 tifosi12, Apr 17, 2005
    Whoa! Awesome shots and a great opportunity.

    I got the invite as well, but it was a bit late to make travel plans. Did you guys know about this ahead of time or just jumped onto the next plane?
     
  6. Gary(SF)

    Gary(SF) F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2003
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    Gary B.
    #6 Gary(SF), Apr 17, 2005
    I think the offer was posted on the Ferrari Owners Site about a month ahead of the event.

    Gary
     
  7. Gary(SF)

    Gary(SF) F1 Rookie

    Oct 13, 2003
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    Gary B.
    #7 Gary(SF), Apr 17, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  8. BabyM

    BabyM Rookie

    Apr 9, 2005
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    josie
    #8 BabyM, Apr 17, 2005
    Whoa! the first time i heard a Ferrari F1 engine in person iwas stuck with a perma-grin fro the whole weekend. I can only imagine how fun it was to be able to hangout in the pits!!!
     
  9. FarmerDave

    FarmerDave F1 World Champ
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    Jul 26, 2004
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    #9 FarmerDave, Apr 17, 2005
    Very nice! I just had breakfast with John and Carol Knight and they told us all about it.... neat to see the pictures!

    John and Carol must be counted among the real tifosi... they flew back into town late last week and are flying over for the imola race, leaving Tuesday!
     
  10. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
    7,821
    Central Texas
    #10 jknight, Apr 17, 2005
    It also helps to be just a little bit crazy.

    We echo everything Gary said, and then some. This event defines the phrase "up close and personal" and is something that simply must be experienced to be believed - words and pictures cannot do it justice. In addition to the actual testing at Fiorano (following dinner at the Galleria Ferrari the night before), we took a tour of the factory, made a visit to the Cliente F1 facility (past GP cars now privately owned) and had a very special visit to the Gestione Sportiva (the F1 construction facility and logistics areas) - and more.

    When the dust settles a bit we'll see what of our pictures may have come out and try to get them posted.

    Regards,

    John & Carol
     
  11. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    Sep 5, 2001
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    #11 WJHMH, Apr 17, 2005
    John & Carol,

    I don't know how you have the energy to do things you do. You completely amaze me. Thanks for sharing your travels this morning at breakfast. Enjoy the Imola event & looking forward to your photos

    Will
     
  12. trashidelek!

    trashidelek! Formula Junior

    Nov 18, 2004
    925
    #12 trashidelek!, Apr 17, 2005
    Congratulations to all of you on a great trip! I would encourage anyone to consider the travel offerings available through the owner's website. I did so in 2003 and was completely impressed with the way Ferrari goes beyond call of duty to open doors normally closed in order to provide a truly memorable experience.
     
  13. Admiral Thrawn

    Admiral Thrawn F1 Rookie

    Jul 2, 2003
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    #13 Admiral Thrawn, Apr 19, 2005
    Excellent photos. Got any videos? :)
     
  14. SROC4

    SROC4 Formula 3

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    #14 SROC4, Apr 19, 2005
    Very nice Gary. Thanks for sharing.
     
  15. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
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    Central Texas
    #15 jknight, Apr 26, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  16. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
    7,821
    Central Texas
    #16 jknight, Apr 26, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
  17. jknight

    jknight F1 Veteran

    Oct 30, 2004
    7,821
    Central Texas
    #17 jknight, Apr 26, 2005
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 7, 2017
    MS signing my "signature" Ferrari flag. Thanks to Deborah for assisting when Michael asked if we would stretch the flag. This flag is now "retired" as it also has some irreplaceable signatures. He also signed my MS bear - it's going in an acrylic case.

    This was a day that will always remain etched in my mind. Thanks go out to the following: everyone from Ferrari for organizing this special event; a wonderful husband/best friend who is as crazy as me for going to Italy twice in two weeks; and to the friendships we made with Gary from CA, Paul from Wales, Paul & Deborah from London.

    Ciao,
    Carol (I'm the one in yellow!)
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