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2007 Ferrari Challenge
The first year of only the F430 Challenge cars, the Ferrari Challenge in 2007 brought about a new generation of racing. Find out how the drivers performed.
Introduction
The new Ferrari F430
There's an exciting return to a single model Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli this year. Following its thrilling debut in 2006, the Shell-powered Ferrari F430 now replaces the 360 Modena Challenge after an interim season in which both cars took to tracks in Italy, Europe and the USA.
The F430 was born from a desire for an even more "GT Style" car in terms of equipment and above all performance. While it is powered by the same 490-bhp V8 engine as the normal roadgoing Ferrari - in fact Ferrari prepares and provides engines to all teams - there is a notable Formula 1 influence across various aspects, including the brakes, which for the first time on a Ferrari race car use carbon-ceramic technology (CCM).
One other major departure is the Ferrari F430 gearbox, which, unlike a GT car gearbox, is fitted with its own oil-cooler to reduce operating temperatures and ensure the life of the engine under racing conditions.
The series is the chance for Ferrari enthusiasts to immerse themselves in a unique Ferrari event. Customers are given the chance to enjoy their cars in a structured competitive environment, racing against other Ferrari owners. The competition format means that all drivers have the same engine and technology, so spectators can enjoy watching evenly matched, enthusiastic drivers in fierce competition with 'streetable' Ferrari racing cars.
And, of course, as with all Ferrari GT cars, the F430 Challenge competition cars are fuelled and lubricated by Shell. Once again, Shell products are tested to the limit by these highly tuned supercars, with on-track learning experiences passed back to Shell's engineers, who strive to continuously develop better products for road going motorists around the world. Shell even goes as far as to award the "Shell Cup" to the best gentleman driver each race.
From the driver's seat or from the grandstand, the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli is a perfect way to enjoy passion for Ferrari and performance.
F430
F430 Challenge
The Ferrari F430 in action
An intensive series of development tests held at Fiorano have honed the F430 Challenge's talents. In fact, it offers a stunning series of features sure to meet with the approval of its drivers. As ever, the transfer of technology from Formula One is significant, particularly with regard to the braking system. It uses carbon-ceramic material (CCM) - a first for a Ferrari sports competition car.
Gearbox
The electronic gearbox is also Formula One-derived. It works in exactly the same way as the one used aboard the Grand Prix car. Thanks to a two-plate clutch and specific software, it also offers the same gear-changing times as the road-going F430 (150 ms) in the much more extreme track conditions.
Tyres
19-inch slick tires were also developed specifically by Pirelli for the F430 Challenge. They are designed to comply with the very strict racing regulations that demand endurance while still delivering blistering performance.
Weight
The F430 Challenge boasts a weight of just 1225 kg (excluding fuel). Weight has been reduced in every area of the car, from the engineering to the bodywork. Of particular note are the Lexan® windscreen, the all-carbon fibre intake plenum cover, and the specific exhaust system. To ensure that drivers get the full benefit of the car's sporty prowess on the track, the E-Diff has been replaced by a mechanical differential and the EBD has been replaced with a mechanical system.
F430 Specifications
Dimension and Weight
- Overall length 177.64 in
- Overall width 75.7 in
- Height 46.6 in
- Weight 1225 kgTyres
- Front - 235/645 19"
- Rear - 295/680 19"Engine
- 8 cylinders V8 90 degree
- Total displacement: 262.9 cu in
- Maximum power: 490 bhp (360 kW) at 8500 rpm
- Maximum torque: 343 lb ft (465 Nm) at 5250 rpmCalendar
European Standings
Italy & USA Standings