Simply Abu Dhabi XXXVI

in the best cases customers wait nine to 12 months but sometimes up to almost two years, yet they are part of the Ferrari family from day one.” As soon as a purchase is agreed, the owner starts to receive regular updates of their car’s build progress in Maranello with photos of their car as it goes through the various phases of construction down the assembly line. Additionally, the expecting owner receives a subscription to the Official Ferrari magazine and starts to receive invitations to high-end and private events. “The entire structure is managed so you feel a part of the Ferrari family even before you own a Ferrari.” Once they take delivery, the lifestyle options broaden further with the chance to take part in weekend drives and track days with their own car. For those who consider motor racing as a hobby or even as a potential future career, there’s a finely crafted ladder that can take a person from being a novice to a semi-professional race driver entirely inhouse within the UAE. “Before taking delivery, our clients can join a Corsa Pilota program in one of our cars which will give them a full understanding of their future car’s ability on track and how it behaves on the limit. Then if they like track driving, they can take part in our new Passione Ferrari program.” New for 2020, Passione Ferrari includes the Ferrari Club Challenge Middle East which is a chance for owners to purchase their own Ferrari 488 Challenge race car to take part in non- competitive track days. While not racing, the program gives owners a taste of the racing life with full race team support, driving suits, helmets, 5-Star hospitality and technical back up from Dubai-based Ferrari motorsport specialists, Dragon Racing without needing a competition licence. This gives owners the chance to sample motorsport life before committing and if they do want to go further, they can enter their car in the Ferrari Challenge race series which includes opportunities in Asia, Europe and North America. From there it’s just one step away to a full blown season of international GT3 competition at places like LeMans, Sebring and Bathurst. There are many ways to enjoy a Ferrari on and off the track and from this year Ferrari Middle East is catering to all types whether it be through its new Passione Ferrari program or lifestyle events like Casa Ferrari. “If you remember, Ferrari started by building race cars for ‘gentleman drivers’ and we still offer this today with the 488 Challenge as a chance for those who are talented but not looking to go professional, to take part in GT motor racing,” Mr Turri said. “Part of our future plan is to bring more activities to the region to take advantage of our location being perfectly placed between Europe and Asia as well as our beautiful weather when it’s too cold everywhere else. “Our goal is to nurture our customer base to make sure that the next generation will include not only newmembers but also the children of our present clients.” Unlike days of old where being handed the keys marked the end of the buying experience, brands like Ferrari are ensuring that the first day of ownership is the beginning of a lifelong journey 2 5 2 S I M P LY A B U DH A B I