At the end of the Finali Mondiali on Sunday, the fans at Imola were treated to the Ferrari Show, with the 2023 edition showcasing two brand new and un-raced cars.
The 499P, destined to race in the FIA WEC from 2023, made its first on-track public appearance with Alessandro Pier Guidi at the wheel, as did the 296 GT3 driven by Alessio Rovera.
Also on track were Formula 1 (2009) F60 and (2018) SF71-H single-seaters driven by Giancarlo Fisichella, Andrea Bertolini, Davide Rigon and Olivier Beretta;
The 30-year history of the Ferrari Challenge: 348 Challenge, F355 Challenge, 360 Challenge, F430 Challenge, 458 Challenge Evo and 488 Challenge Evo. was marked with a parade of examples of each generation of the one-make racers;
Ferrari 488 GTEs and GT3s also took part, two of them with special liveries: one dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the series and the other commemorating the feat of over 500 competitive wins for the car throughout the world.
Competizioni GT drivers Antonio Fuoco, James Calado, Miguel Molina, Daniel Serra and Nicklas Nielsen handled the GT cars on track.
Completing the line-up were cars from the XX Programme.
The show ended with a fly-past from two Eurofighters from Aeronautica Militare di Grosseto’s 4th Stormo squadron that flew over the circuit, celebrating their connection with the company from Modena. Both the fighters and the Ferraris carry the Prancing Horse symbol, which Enzo Ferrari used for the first time on the Scuderia cars 90 years ago at the Spa 24 Hours.
The historic symbol featured on flying ace Francesco Baracca’s SPAD S.XIII biplane, which the aviator’s mother later gave to Ferrari himself as a lucky charm. In fact, it was a model of the SPAD S.XIII that got the afternoon’s parade underway.
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli
Thomas Neubauer (Charles Pozzi – Courage) in the Trofeo Pirelli and Franz Engstler (Scuderia GT) in the Coppa Shell emerged as the overall global Champions of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli during the final day of on-track action at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali at Imola on Sunday
In front of almost 40,000 spectators, Neubauer took the win from Pole Position, and managed to fend off the attacks from Eliseo Donno (CDP – Best Lap). The Italian driver’s exit from the scene, forced to withdraw minutes from the end, gave John Wartique (FML – D2P) the all-clear, who, nevertheless, had to eventually settle for second place, ahead of the champion of the Trofeo Pirelli Europe, Doriane Pin (Scuderia Niki – Iron Lynx), third.
Just off the podium was the 2021 champion, Luka Nurmi (Formula Racing), who was able to take advantage of a slip-up in the finale by former Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil (Gohm Motorsport), fifth.
Nestled in the group of cars in the main class, Marco Pulcini (Al Tayer Motors) turned his pole position into a triumph that saw him crowned Am class world champion. Prematurely out of contention were two of the most accredited contenders, the recently-crowned European champion Ange Barde (SF Côte d’Azur Cannes – IB Fast) and Nicolò Rosi (Kessel Racing). The Italian driver, who also produced the fastest lap time of 1’45″236, finished on the podium ahead of Nigel Schoonderwoerd (Scuderia FMA – Iron Lynx), second, and Christian Brunsborg (Formula Racing), winner in 2021, third.
Finali Mondiali Coppa Shell.
After winning the European series, Franz Engstler also snatched the world title, thanks to a race that saw him in clean air throughout. Starting from the first position on the grid, the Scuderia GT flagbearer gradually gained the advantage over his season-long rival, Axel Sartingen (Lueg Sportivo – Herter Racing), runner-up at the end, and over Ernst Kirchmayr (Baron Motorsport), third, crossing the finish line alone, with the fastest lap of 1’44″979.
Joakim Olander (Scuderia Autoropa) is the new Am class world champion, at the end of a hard fought, gripping battle with Peter Christensen (Formula Racing), reigning champion, and Alexander Nussbaumer (Gohm Motorsport – Herter Racing), winner of the 2021 European series. The Swedish driver, who started from pole position, managed to effectively fend off any overtaking attempts from his most immediate pursuers, taking the chequered flag with the best lap time of 1’45″392.
Prize-giving.
Saturday saw the gala evening in a huge temporary structure in the Imola paddock, the tables for dinner flanked by a huge display of the historic Ferrari race cars.
The event featured the world premiere of the 499P, accompanied by the 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary Trophy.
The 499P was unveiled in the presence of John Elkann, Ferrari Executive Chairman, Piero Ferrari, Vice Chairman, Benedetto Vigna, Chief Executive Officer, Enrico Galliera, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer and Antonello Coletta, Head of Ferrari Attività Sportive GT.
The winners of Europe, North America and UK series of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli were awarded their trophies at the event, whilst Mugello was announced as the venue for the next Ferrari Finali Mondiali in 2023 from 24-30 October.
