CR Scuderia have taken delivery of the world’s first 2008-specification GT2 class Ferrari 430 GT; the team travelling to Fiorano for a private test with Andrew Kirkaldy on driving duty for the shakedown.

Christmas came early for CR Scuderia yesterday when the team took delivery of the world’s first 2008-specification GT2 class Ferrari 430 GT.  The team travelled to Fiorano in Italy for a private test with Andrew Kirkaldy on driving duty for the shakedown.

“The car felt incredibly good,” said Kirkaldy. “Considering the (freezing) conditions the pace was impressive and it ran faultlessly. The new car is a clear step up from this year so I’m excited about our prospects for 2008.  Michelotto have pulled out all the stops to deliver the car to us before Christmas; this was important to us as it gives us that extra bit of time to prepare for our 2008 season, so thanks to Cristiano (Michelotto) and his team.”

After the shakedown the car was carefully loaded onto a truck to begin its journey to the UK, where it will be seen for the first time in its 2008 racing colours at Autosport International in January.

CR Scuderia has one more test to squeeze in before the Christmas break. After last week’s successful GT3 test CRS will run its second GT3 Ferrari, for the British GT Championship, at Donington tomorrow (Thursday).