Ferrari have release the first information available on the new Ferrari 599 GTO. The Ferrari 599 GTO aims to be Ferrari’s fastest ever road car and as a special limited edition and will be available to only 599 clients. (more…)

Maranello, 4 March – Just a couple of days before her official debut – on the Homestead circuit (Miami) on 13 and 14 March – the 599XX is already the international media’s darling (more…)

Ferrari at Geneva: a stand dedicated to innovation and the environment

Unveiled the Ferrari California with Stop & Start and the HY-KERS Hybrid vettura laboratorio (more…)

Maranello, 15 February – The positive driving impressions by journalists testing the 458 Italia continue. The latest is Pulitzer Prize winner Dan Neil, who writes about the 458 Italia for the Los Angeles Times, describing the car, its innovations and aesthetic characteristics (more…)

Maranello, 15th February 2010 – The Ferrari S.p.A Board of Directors met todayunder the chairmanship of Luca di Montezemolo to examine the end of year results for 2009.

Even though the luxury sports car market suffered an average reduction of 35% in 2009, Ferrari recorded only slightly lower results than in 2008, the most financially successful year in the Prancing Horse’s entire history. A total of 6,250 cars were delivered to end clients (-5%) with a confirmed growth in emerging countries and a controlled contraction in certain of our more mature markets. The sharply contracting market made Ferrari’s market share grow across the board with an average increase worldwide of 10 percentage points, garnering it leadership of the sports car segment.

These results were reached thanks to the completion of the range and in particular with the extraordinary success of the Ferrari California for which 60% of the customers are new Ferraristi.

The most recent car, the 458 Italia, deliveries of which only just started, made no contribution to the 2009 figures, but it has already obtained exceptionally positive reviews and prestigious awards all around the world.

Consolidated revenues at the end of 2009 stood at 1,778 million euro (-7%) with an operating profit of 245 million euro, compared to 341 million euro last year. Ferrari recorded a ROS (Return on Sales) for 2009 of 13.8%. The variation of the operating result is due to the negative effects of volumes and product mix (both of which were extremely positive in 2008) as well as unfavourable exchange rates. The weakness of the US dollar has a major impact since over 30% of sales are made in this currency.

Source: Ferrari

Valencia, 1st February 2010 – Felipe Massa was the fastest driver on the track on the first day of testing at the Cheste circuit, just outside Valencia. The Brazilian drove the fastest lap in the last minutes of the session, while he had been leading the time sheet with his lap times before. The 1.12.574 taken by Massa for his fastest lap today can’t be judged in absolute terms regarding the competitors, because this year, understanding the fuel loads in the cars, is more difficult than ever. Although it has to be said that this result is a good prelude for the F10 on the day of its debut.

“I’m happy about how it went today,” Felipe said at the end of the test session. “We worked very well and drove many kilometres without any problems. The first impression of the car is really positive: it is easier to drive compared to the F60, we can work better on the set up and last but not least there’s much more grip, which makes it much more pleasant to drive. 
Naturally it’s still very early, but it’s a good start. The fastest lap? That doesn’t mean anything, but it’s always good being in the lead! I’m also satisfied with myself. It’s great being back on the track, together with all the others and to see that nothing has changed. I drove over 100 laps and I could have done another 100 from the physical and mental point of view.”

Obviously the first meeting between a driver, who has always been part of the Ferrari family and one who has taken a different road, attracted lots of interest. “I haven’t spoken to Michael yet, but we said hello when I passed him towards the end of the day. It’s very good for Formula 1 that he’s back. It’s strange seeing him with a red helmet in a grey car.”

Two where today’s main technical issues: the new tyres and the cars’ behaviour with lots of petrol on board. Felipe said: “I tried the soft compound a lot today and I really liked it, but it’s really too early to draw a conclusion: we have to wait and see how it works with higher temperatures to see the wear. We also drove with different fuel loads and the car was very balanced under all conditions; that’s encouraging!”

Tomorrow there is an “encore” on the same stage.

Source: Ferrari

Perfect weather conditions enabled Felipe Massa today to complete a special test session started in the morning behind the wheel of a F2008 provided by Maranello’s F1 Clienti department. The World Champion car from 2008 was brought to the Catalan track for a very special two-day test session with Valentino Rossi. The Brazilian driver took the opportunity to regain confidence behind the wheel on a track, which is part of the Formula 1 calendar.

Felipe concluded the training with the single-seater – fitted with demo tyres due to the current rules – after over 400 kilometres. Before a satisfied Felipe let the track he spoke to www.ferrari.com about today’s impressions: “It was a perfect way to optimise my form here in Barcelona. I’m really happy that I had this new opportunity to get behind the wheel of a Formula 1 single-seater on a race track. I can’t wait to sit in the new car and get stuck in.”

Source: Ferrari