Motorsport: Ferrari challenge set for Hampton Downs

Toni Vilander on the track during the Pirelli World Challenge GT race in Florida. Photo / Getty Images

Ferrari today announced that its Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Asia Pacific Series will take place on New Zealand's iconic Hampton Downs circuit in April 2018.

The four-day race schedule will run from 12 to 15 April and incorporate the open-to-the-public 'Ferrari Festival' in Auckland over the weekend of 14 and 15 April 2018.

"Ferrari has a longstanding history with motor racing in New Zealand, and some of our most committed corse clienti race drivers hail from here," said Louis Colmache, Head of Corse Clienti, Asia Pacific "We are thrilled to announce that the inaugural New Zealand Ferrari Challenge Series races will take place here in Auckland in 2018. It is with great pleasure that we will be able to offer our growing numbers of Ferrari clients the opportunity to drive the iconic Hampton Downs circuit for the themselves. We encourage all Ferrari owners to take up the opportunity to get involved in racing with Ferrari and all of New Zealand's Ferrari fans to come and support our exciting racing series during the Ferrari Festival in 2018."

Ferrari Challenge is the widest ranging and most envied one-make client racing series in the world. The FIA approved series was established in 1993. There are three series: Europe, which is the oldest, North America and Asia-Pacific, with each series taking place in separate continents.

The Asia Pacific series will open at Melbourne's iconic Albert Park Circuit in support of the Formula 1 Australia Grand Prix on 22-25 March, followed by Hampton Downs in New Zealand from 12-15 April. The official race schedule also includes other Formula 1 race tracks like Shanghai International Circuit, Fuji Speedway and Suzuka Circuit. In September, Ferrari Challenge returns to Singapore once again in support of the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix, thereafter converging at Autodromo Nazionale Monza in Italy for Finali Mondiali (World Finals) from 1st – 4th November, where the Asia Pacific race drivers will join drivers from the Europe and North America Series for the traditional end-of-season celebrations.

"New Zealand is home to some of the most passionate Ferrari owners and drivers in the world," explained Herbert Appleroth, CEO, Ferrari Australasia. "We are excited to be able to now offer our clients the opportunity to experience the thrill of racing with Ferrari on some of the most iconic race tracks in the world, including Auckland's iconic Hampton Downs circuit in New Zealand. We encourage all of New Zealand's Ferrari fans to join us for the celebrations."

Clients and fans will see the Ferrari 488 Challenge car in action during the races. The 488 Challenge is the first ever turbo-charged model to race and is the most powerful Challenge car ever, powered by the 670 cv 3.9-litre V8 derived from the series production engine that took the overall 2016 & 2017 International Engine of the Year Award.

Ferrari is extending an invitation for fans to join Ferrari's celebrations for this open to the public event. A spectacular array of classic and modern Ferrari models and special edition cars will be on display for the public to enjoy. The day will also include face-painting, Ferrari giveaways, and other family-friendly entertainment.

Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Asia Pacific Series 2018 Schedule

Round 1 March 22 – 25 Melbourne, Australia (Formula 1 GP)
Round 2 April 12 – 15, Hampton Downs, New Zealand
Round 3 May 24 – 27, Shanghai, China (Ferrari Racing Days)
Round 4 June 28 – July 1 Fuji, Japan (Ferrari Racing Days)
Round 5 August 23-25 Suzuka, Japan
Round 6 September 14-16 Singapore Marina (Formula 1 GP)
Round 7 November 1 - 4 Monza, Italy (Finali Mondiali)