FerrariChat.com Q&A w/Marc Gene!

FerrariChat.com now has a partnership with ex-Formula One driver, Ferrari test driver, and Le Mans winner Marc Gene. I used suggested questions from FerrariChat users and Marc answered them in-depth.

What are three basic tips you would have for amateurs driving street Ferraris on the track?

Marc: Luckily Ferrari street cars are tested and developed at Fiorano race track which is a very demanding track so the Ferrari clients will see that their Ferrari cars when driven at the tracks feel really at home. The carbon ceramic brakes will cope with high braking demands and the handling of the cars is really, good and well balanced. My first advice would be to memorise the track (looking at a map or video); this will make their driving more enjoyable so they can concentrate only on the driving. Then when driving depending on how good they are they can choose the manetino on position sport, race, CT-off or ESC-off. Sport and Race are safe settings, Race more geared for performance. Regarding CT-off and ESC-off I advice it only to be used by very good drivers. After they have finished the laps it is important they cool the brakes the lap going into the pits.

What are some of the primary factors Ferrari is again fighting for wins and constructors championship in 2017?

Marc: The SF70H has proved to be competitive and realiable from the very first race and in any track conditions. The engineers at Maranello did an excellent job during the winter. The team is really focused and united always with our feet on the ground but really hungry for success.

What is your view on the “evolution” of Ferrari road cars through the years? No more manuals, more driver aides, hybrids, more weight, more power, etc?

Marc: I like how the Ferrari road cars have been evolving through the years. They always keep beautiful slick designs, prioritizing the downforce from the difusor and active wings that improves the aero efficiency and does not spoil the beautiful design of the rear of the car. I am also very impressed with the ergonomy of the interiors…setting a class standard and even winning a prize in the GTC4Lusso. The gearbox and gearchanges are super fast but yet still really sporty. The cars have more driver aid settings so that they can be adapted to the drivers depending on their skills and demands. The new turbo charged engines are so powerful and efficient yet still have a beautiful Ferrari noise and of course if the purists want to hear symphony V12 are still produced. Regarding the weight despite the heavier hybrid cars we work very hard to keep it under control.

Any funny stories from time at F1 or Le Mans?

Marc: From my F1 times I remember the first time I dressed in Ferrari overalls…which by the way in my first test I used Michael Schumacher ones removing his name since there was no time to make my own!! The first time I debuted with the Ferrari F1 it was in Circuit of Catalunya with the F2004, probably the best F1 car ever produced. I perfectly remember when I walked in the box and saw all the mechanics dressed in red and the F2004 was there, beautiful…and when I sat in it, turned the car on and saw the cavallino appear in the steering wheel I realized I reached something was even beyond my dreams!!!

At Le Mans there are some moments that make this race really unique. Specially during the sunset. I remeber that on my first Le Mans in 2007 I saw that there was some fog despite being a clear day…after a few laps I realized it wasn´t fog….the fans were starting their barbecues!!! In the morning whilst doing the sunrise stints I could smell the coffe at the straight into Indianapolis prepared by the marshals.
Image Unavailable, Please Login

 

Marc Gene driving a 412T2 in 2015

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Md-e4c3PSvI[/ame]