A prototype Ferrari F430 Challenge was caught recently undertaking development testing at the Vallelunga circuit.

The new V8-engined Ferrari F430 'berlinetta' was introduced to the world during last September's Paris Mondial de l'Automobile to replace the incumbent 360 Modena model, and likewise on the race tracks, the new F430 Challenge will shortly supersede the 360 Challenge. From 2006 the two models will run side-by-side in the Italian-based Pirelli Trophy and the pan-European Shell Cup.

As the F430 Challenge development programme cranks up the gears, a prototype has been captured at the Vallelunga circuit near Rome. This appearance follows on from recent tests which took place at Ferrari's in-house Fiorano test track and at Monza, the long-time home of the Italian Grand Prix. In the hands of Raffaele De Simone, who is this year contesting the Trophy Pirelli Italy driving a 360 Challenge entered by the Ineco/RAM team, the bright yellow machine was caught on film at Vallelunga by photographer Gino Allegritti.

The project is being undertaken by Ferrari in conjunction with their long-time race tuning partners Michelotti. The project is currently in a very early stage of development, with the prototypes on the track visually almost identical to the road-going version of the F430. Alongside the standard production panels, a number of distinguishing features can be made out. These include a full roll protection cage, race seats equipped with multi-point harnesses, Perspex door glass with a slide-opening aperture, front tow hook, and bonnet release pins. At the rear, a new performance exhaust system is featured, with two single pipes replacing the quad-outlet affair featured on the standard F430. A quick release fuel cap, finished in aluminium, is now located on the C-post, whilst the wheels have been upgraded to single central nut attachment type. One red prototype has also received a large sun-blind, taking up half of the front windscreen. The suspension has also been modified for the track, particularly noticeable at the rear end, where the ride height has been dropped substantially. Other details include air jacks and Brembo CCM Composite Cermanic Disks, further underlining that this technology is reliable and trouble free. CCM disks are exceptionally light and provide excellent braking efficiency in all conditions and practically never wear.
 

 
At the same time Ferrari and Michelotti are pushing forward with plans to introduce a GT2 class version of the F430 to challenge the Porsche hordes. The German marque have taken a stranglehold this year in the GT2 class of the FIA GT Championship and the American Le Mans Series as teams such as Risi Competizione, GPC Squadra Corse and JMB Racing have all stopped using the 360 Modena, as it has reached the end of its development potential. Ferrari are believed to be very keen to bounce back in this class, with Corse Clienti department customers pushing for an F430 GT to be made available. With the project now given the green light a GT2 contender is rapidly being readied for homologation.

NEW AERO PACKAGE AIMS TO IMPROVE FERRARI 575 GTC EVOLUTION 2005

Meanwhile, Ferrari Corse Clienti are preparing to introduce revised aerodynamics for the GT1 class Ferrari 575 GTC Evoluzione 2005 at the next round of the FIA GT Championship which takes place at Brno next weekend.

The new aero package, which will be incorporated into the GPC Squadra Corse-run 575 GTC, piloted by Andrea Piccini and Jean-Denis Deletraz, includes a new splitter and a revised rear wing. JMB Racing and Loris Kessel Racing will benefit from the changes once feedback gathered in Brno is digested. A second stage of development of the 575 GTC, which was originally developed by Fiat's in-house competition department, N-Technology, will see Ferrari present proposals to the FIA to revise the rear suspension in an effort to cure its inherent lack of rear end grip, although as this change will be within the FIA's discretion to grant it remains very much just a proposal at present.