Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli 2008 season

The 2008 season for the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli, Europe’s most exclusive single-make racing series for Ferrari clients and enthusiasts, kicks off at Monza this weekend, with a full race programme at the famed Italian race circuit, home of the Italian Grand Prix since the race moved there from Brescia in 1922. The first race of the season promises to be an exciting and thrilling demonstration of the racing dynamics of the Ferrari F430 Challenge race car, and the incredibly competitive Ferrari clients from all over Europe who compete in this series which is managed by Ferrari’s own “Corse Clienti” racing division.

The UK is represented by four drivers who compete as part of the Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB, with the full support of Ferrari GB and the Ferrari GB dealer network. Last year’s race winners, Jamie Constable and Mike Cantillon, compete under the Team Vertu Racing banner, with cars in a special livery dedicated to Vertu, the premium luxury mobile phone manufacturer whose products encapsulate the very finest hand-craftsmanship and technology that is inspired by exquisite watches and jewellery – and, of course, Ferrari. Jamie competes in Car 127 and Mike drives Car 128. Both drivers expect to repeat their several successes of last year, with several podiums and race wins in the ultra-competitive Coppa Shell category which is reserved for “gentleman” drivers.

The Ferrari Challenge Dealer Team GB’s two other entries are Car 129, driven by Yannick Mallegol and Jean-Marc Bachelier, a regular entry to the Ferrari Challenge throughout 2007, and Car 126, driven by Jack Gerber, a Ferrari client who has progressed through the Fiorano Ferrari driving experience programme, operated by Ferrari GB exclusively for Ferrari clients in the UK. Both Yannick/Jean-Marc and Jack anticipate a strong showing at Monza as they kickstart their 2008 campaign at a circuit with which they are both familiar.

Ferrari GB will also be hosting several representatives from the Ferrari GB dealer network throughout the weekend, with exclusive pit and paddock access and unrivalled hospitality from Team Vertu Racing. This hospitality is reserved exclusively for VIP guests of Ferrari and the team’s partners at each round of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli. The next

round of the championship is at Silverstone from 18-20 April, when the Ferrari Challenge drivers will have the chance to mingle with the FIA GT drivers who will also be racing at the Northamptonshire circuit during the same weekend.

For regular news and updates of the Ferrari Challenge, visit ferrari.co.uk. For further details of the Ferrari Corse Clienti activities, visit ferraricorseclienti.com.