FERRARI Racingdays

by PeterCDE

© September 2004

Girard-Perregaux and Ferrari - a magic formula picture : Luigi Macaluso, President of Girard-Perregaux and Luca Cordero di Montezemolo, President of Ferrari SPA As noted before (click here), this alliance started in 1994 and in the last 10 years for GIRARD-PERREGAUX and FERRARI to share part of their history by founding a true partnership built on strong professional and cultural similarities, some of the most beautiful and unique timepieces by GIRARD-PERREGAUX bear the name of the prestigious Italian Manufacturer. Random examples are the 1996 "F50" Chronograph Perpetual Calendar, the most unusual "S.F. Foudroyante" Chronograph Rattrapante with "lightning" second and the "Tribute To Enzo Ferrari" as a current highlight. The relationship of FERRARI and GIRARD-PERREGAUX goes well beyond; Dr. Luigi Macaluso happens to be an extraordinarily successfull race driver for FIAT himself and several championship titles in Italy and Europe testify. Even more so does the unique prototype race car he created for FIAT; this car, today part of Dr. Macaluso´s private collection, is certainly a fascinating story itself and a proof of true passion (read the full story here). For ten years, Luigi Macaluso has designed watches illustrating the partnership that unites the two companies; timepieces which are highly coveted and owned by his personal friends of FERRARI. personal watch of Jean Todt - one of three of it´s kind picture by F1 Live Web Site (www.F1-Live.com) right: Jean Todt (notice the watch) picture by F1 Live Web Site (www.F1-Live.com) That said, it was with good reasons for Girard-Perregaux in Germany to proudly sponsored one of the most coveted events in the world of FERRARISTI, the passionate enthusiasts of fast italian cars, beauty and hot track action.   The event: September 3-5, Nuerburgring race course, Germany Some basic figures may give an idea what it is all about and speak for themselves: 50.000 visitors on the premier F1 race track in Germany, more than 1.000 street Ferrari and Maserati, 3 days of race and track action. Of the privately owned cars a total of 12 "Enzo" (of only 399 to be made) and more than 20 F-40, F-50 and 288GTO were to be seen, not counting a significant number of historical street and race cars including the famous Daytona 365 GTS/4 (one of only 125 made). Ferrari´s "racingdays" are truly a major event and unusual; it is a rare occasion to observe collapsing traffic by the sheer number of Ferrari cars around the site. Entering the site may make clear it´s a german event: parking space for Maserati and Ferrari cars is carefully separated and the stuff takes care cares are properly lined up according to their colours... a sea of dreams in red... While making my way to the track, colours are dominating the scene; the traditional Ferrari "corso rosso" red, together with the ever-popular black and yellow. A spot of grey is always appreciated, even if not "Ingrid grey". Which brings us back to what makes a part of the fascination Ferrari: the beauty of the object, be it the style... ... or the mechanics. Contemporary and historic example received cheers and admiration. the rare 365 GTS/4 "Daytona" "... they don´t do them today like they did once..." a modern legend, the new 612 Scaglietti variations of the rare 512bbi and a 308 GTS (last picture) Among the cars most crowded of course the rarely seen "Enzo". more later... later as well... :-) The fans of Maserati were well represented, both in terms of contemporary models, historic cars like the wonderful 8CM, Maserati 8CM of 1934, a 3 litre 8 cylinder with 260 BHP and current winners on the race tracks. Finally a special attraction not only for the young fans, the slowest car on show... LEGO stones!!     The site ... The Nuerburgring is one of two german race tracks to host current F1 races and the course in use for the Ferrari Racingdays actually is the current F1 course; genuine F1-feeling all over the site! A race event comes with a lot of activity in many aspects and for many it was a hard working day; the endless number of race tires needed for the several classes of cars may give an impression. Pirelli Competizione race tires The variety of racing teams and their trucks, but particularly the F1 race team of FERRARI SPA in Maranello got much attention. Red, everywhere you see...     ... and track action! After all, the races are what makes such an event so special. And in this regard, there was a lot to see. Among the track events several races of the Ferrari 360 Trofeo Challenge (the European counterpart of the North American "Ferrari 360 Challenge"), the international GT Challenge, different track tests of the Ferrari Owners Club Germany, demonstrations of limited edition Ferrari and F1 Clienti formula cars including three F333SP sport prototypes resulted in a packed schedule! Every race in the various classes provided thrilling action: Ferrari 360 Trofeo Challenge and Coppa Shell In the best sense of the motive of the day, these races didn´t leave everyone untouched... ouch... True F1-feeling took place during the demonstration of the F1 cars and sports prototypes: vision and sound... And not only the cars stirred emotions... A true race event: fast cars, beautiful girls... :-)       continue on page 2 with Enzo and more Ferrari, Michael Schumacher and Girard-Perregaux!       Peter