A date with Ferrari FXX at Ferrari Racing Days, Sepang 2014 [+Image Gallery]



Like any well informed car enthusiast, a mere mention of ‘Ferrari Racing Days’, what springs to mind are the legendary Ferrari FXX and many other Ferraris under one roof, literally. For the first time ever, Ferrari showcased and brought two Ferrari FXX and a few 599XX, to Malaysian soil. Together with Ferrari’s Corse Clienti, they also brought along two F1 cars and many 458 Challenge race cars. Ferrari and official local distributor Naza Italia took the opportunity to launch the Ferrari 458 Speciale on the first day of this three-day event.

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The Ferrari XX Programme is created for customers who pay £2 millions for the machines, but are only allowed to drive the FXX and 599XX on specially approved track days organized by Ferrari. After a few laps, they will be briefed by Ferrari engineers about the performance of their cars. Ferrari is rather tight-lipped during the press conference on what technology that has been transferred to or from F1 to production cars, using the FXX platform.

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In terms of performance, the FXX is powered by a 660hp 6.3-litre V12 that is an increase over the Enzo’s 6.0-litre. The century sprint is completed in a mere 2.44 seconds, while the car top speed maxes out at 365km/h.

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Ferrari also brought along a few 599XX to Sepang. The 599XX , like the FXX is based on the street version of the 599GTB. The rev limit has been increased to 9000rpm, up from the 599 GTB’s 7600rpm. The 599XX makes 720hp from its 6.0-litre V12 engine. The use of composite materials and carbon fibre body parts allows the 599XX to get a lower body weight than the standard 599GTB.

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Another activity organized by Ferrari’s Corse Clienti is the F1 Clienti programme that brought two F1 cars to Sepang track. These Formula One machines are actually owned by private individuals, whom bought the cars and are taken to tracks around the world for a ‘weekend track day’. One of the cars belonged to the F1 legend Michael Schumacher, the F2001. While another was Kimi Raikkonen’s F2008.

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On the other hand, the 458 Challenge also took place at Sepang as the first round of the Ferrari Challenge Asia Pacific leg. The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is one of the most popular one-make series in the world which started in 1993. Since then, over 2,400 drivers have raced from over 40 different countries. 

For Race 1 on Saturday, Max Blancardi from Italy emerged as champion, who achieved his fastest lap time of 2 minute 14.448 seconds. Followed by Philippe Prette, from Hong Kong as runner up. Third place winner was Weng Sun Mok from Singapore. On Sunday’s Race 2, the overall champion was again Max Blancardi, followed by second place winner Steve Wyatt from Australia and Thomas Fjordbach from Denmark. If you look closely on one of the images below, there were a few light crashes between these Ferrari 458’s.

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On Sunday, the FXX and 458 Challenge Race 2 continued, but later that evening, Ferrari Far East organized a drive parade for owners from Malaysia and Singapore. Overall over 200 Ferraris turned up for the parade. Owners had a good laugh during the briefing prior to the parade when the Ferrari official told them to only drive at 40km/h, on second gear. Which they in the end, did comply throughout the parade.

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A big thank you to Ferrari Far East for organizing the first Ferrari Racing Days here in Sepang. Witnessing the FXX and 599XX was indeed an experience that is truly exceptional. Enough of words, enjoy the images taken from the event in the image gallery below.

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IMAGE GALLERY