Ferrari. Beautiful, fast and powerful. To get the most out of a performance machine like this, hands-on training can be beneficial. So Ferrari has introduced the Ferrari Driving Experience to teach owners in a controlled setting how to really drive their Ferrari.
Using a fleet of 14 cars at the Circuit Mont-Tremblant in Quebec, Canada, the instructors teach techniques for controlling your Ferrari. Students can expect to come away from the course with a thorough understanding of what their Ferrari is capable of doing on a racetrack.
Own a Ferrari. The only way to get a spot at the Ferrari Driving Experience is to own a Ferrari. You can attend as the guest of a Ferrari owner, but not if you want to drive around the track.
Pay the $9,400 program fee (as of 2010). This fee covers two days of basic training, five-star accommodations at the Hotel Quintessence, a photo package, event memorabilia, two lunches at the racetrack, a champagne reception and your training. One guest can attend with you for an added fee of $950. Book online or at your Ferrari dealer.
Book your flight. The cost of the training does not include transportation to the racetrack in Quebec. If traveling to Canada from another country, make sure you have your passport.
Wait for your turn. Classes have space for only 15 to 18 students and fill up quickly.
Meet your course instructors. A mixture of former and current professional racers, all have been trained to show you how to get the most out of your Ferrari.
Get ready to learn. Over two days, students are introduced to techniques such as weight transfer, identifying driving lines, threshold braking, managing acceleration and pushing the limits of the vehicle in both wet and dry conditions.
Take to the track. As your skills progress, the instructors will determine when you are ready to take a complete lap of the racetrack. On your first circuit, the instructor will drive as you get used to the twists and turns while he explains the techniques he is using.
Drive around the track on your own. As you follow the instructor on your own, he will allow you to set your own pace. If you speed up, he'll speed up. If you want to slow down, so will he. You're not racing against anyone except yourself, so allow yourself to take in the full experience of driving a racing machine around a racetrack on your own.
