Pay to play: The cost of becoming a Ferrari race car driver
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The Ferrari Challenge Australasia kicks off at the beginning of 2025, encompassing five rounds at some of Australia's most renowned racetracks.
Ferrari continues to grow their motorsport presence globally, with another one-make series joining their event catalogue.
The Ferrari Challenge will take place at some of Australia’s most iconic racetracks, including Bathurst, Phillip Island, and the Bend Motorsport Park.
Keen racers can expect to pay around $200,000 to partake in the five-race season, on top of the $650,000 for the 296 vehicle. Participants also have the option to race in a single round, which is priced from approximately $40,000.
In comparison, Drive understands that the total cost of the Porsche Carrera Cup isn't far off, with the car costing around $400,000, and the running costs at approximately 400,000. The Porsche category includes eight rounds.
The inaugural event will be held alongside the Bathurst 12-hour while three of the five rounds will support the GT World Challenge Australia, with the remaining event a standalone at Sydney Motorsport Park.
Participants will get the opportunity to compete in Italy for Finali Mondiali – an annual race event which effectively marks the conclusion of the season for global competitors.
The race format of Ferrari Challenge Australasia includes two practice sessions, two qualifying sessions and two 30 minute races at each round.
Two titles are up for grabs – Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Australasia, for Ferrari 296 Challenge drivers, and Ferrari Challenge Coppa Shell Australasia, for Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo entrants.
The Ferrari 296 Challenge car is powered by a 2.9-litre twin-turbo V6, non-hybrid engine, capable of 515kW. The vehicle boasts the highest ever downforce of a Challenge car, producing 870kg at 250km/h, which is 18 per cent more than the 488 Challenge Evo.
Professional Ferrari instructors are on offer for one-on-one coaching, offering driving technique workshops and post-drive analysis of telemetry and driving style.
Local deliveries have commenced ahead of the season opener in January. Additionally, the existing Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo remains eligible for competition in 2025.
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