[Mike430]

11 January - The snow-capped mountains of Madonna di Campiglio are more used to hosting alpine skiing champions on their slopes for World Cup downhill races, but today they provided the backdrop to a most unusual parallel slalom race.

The two Scuderia Ferrari drivers, Fernando Alonso and Felipe Massa went head to head through the gates at the wheel of two FFs, the revolutionary four seater, four wheel drive Prancing Horse car. In their hands, the latest Ferrari proved to be very entertaining on demanding hills both up and down, as well as in endless changes of direction laid out on the downhill slalom course.

Fernando and Felipe were helped out in handling the 660 horsepower V12 in this very low grip environment in total safety thanks to the integral 4WD traction system, that deals with the constantly changing and variable amount of torque on each wheel independently, with fully integrated electronic control systems. The FF upholds the marque’s tradition, providing a sporty and dynamic driving experience, aided by its transaxle layout – front-mid mounted engine, rear mounted gearbox – and its weight distribution, with 53% to the rear. One should not forget the skill of the two drivers who enjoyed themselves testing the FF in a scenario far removed from its more usual home on the streets.

The race ended in a perfect dead heat and Alonso could not hide his enthusiasm: “It’s incredible how easy it is to drive the FF even on a such a demanding surface and at the same time, how high a performance level you can reach in it.” Massa was of a similar opinion: “the most incredible thing about the car is the fact there is no need to compromise maximum performance and useability, whatever the driving environment,” reckoned the Brazilian. “And on top of that, it’s perfect for everyday use with the whole family in the car.”

When the race ended, Ferrari President Luca di Montezemolo, with Scuderia Team Principal, Stefano Domenicali and Maurizio Arrivabene of Philip Morris International had lunch with the drivers at the Chalet Fiat.

[Mike430]

More pics...

[BillP00]

Mike,

Thanks for the pics! Now to search the web for Video!!

Bill P.

[champagne612]

Looks like fun

Has Ferrari ever promoted s car this much?

[Barry]

Originally Posted by BillP00

Mike,

Thanks for the pics! Now to search the web for Video!!

Bill P.

Here you go...
Alonso e Massa sgommano sulla neve - Video - Gazzetta TV

[Barry]

... and an unofficial one...

[Barry]

Originally Posted by Mike430

The race ended in a perfect dead heat .

Looked more like a Massa win to me....

[BillP00]

Originally Posted by Barry

Looked more like a Massa win to me....

Wow! That was fast. Thanks Barry...I go to answer the phone and when I come back I already have the video in front of me! Now if only you can do my work for me

To be honest, I was hoping for them to drive a little more spirited (like they do in the FF Commercial). But I did see Fernando fish tail a couple of times. This must be the first time Felipe beat Fernando in a race!

It was interesting to hear Stefano Dominicali comments at the end in which he declares Ferrari's continued support behind Felipe.

I wish Felipe the best this year and hope he proves his worth to the team!!

Bill P.

[Mike430]

Originally Posted by Barry

Looked more like a Massa win to me....

+1 I totally agree!

[dfm]

While it may not be a purist's Ferrari, the FF is still a formidable piece of engineering. I, however, cannot envision myself buying one. I do certainly enjoy hearing that Ferrari V12 sound come from a car being driven around a snowy track.