Meet the Ferrari 499P Modificata, unfortunately, a strictly limited series car for specially selected clientele to use non-competitively on track. Presented at the Ferrari World Finals at the Mugello Circuit, the car is a substantially modified version of the 499P that triumphed in the Centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in what was a stellar 2023 overall for the Prancing Horse.

The 499P Modificata shows Ferrari going about things in a slightly different way, developing a track only car directly from a racing car rather than a production model and without regulations hanging over their heads. Not having to comply with FIA WEC sporting and technical parameters means that Ferrari’s engineers are able to modify the car however they like to maximise its performance on the track.

Drivers in the 499 Modificata are able to use an extra 120 kW of power compared to the 499P thanks to the ‘Push to Pass’ function and this is just one of the many modifications found on the upgraded model. An electric axle, four-wheel drive that can be activated at low speeds, specially developed Pirelli tyres and new suspension give the Modificata a significant leg up on the original. These changes make it the highest-performance closed-wheel car that Ferrari has ever proposed for non-competitive use on the track. 

All in all, the rest of the car matches up similarly to the one that made history in Le Mans. It comes with a full carbon monocoque chassis, seven-speed sequential gearbox, pushrod suspension, brake-by-wire system and an 800-volt battery pack derived from F1.

The cars will be fielded in the new Sport Prototipi Clienti programme that, from 2024, will run alongside the existing F1 Clienti programme. This enables 499P Modificata owners to participate in a number of events on international tracks every year, with Ferrari taking care of logistics, track-side assistance and maintenance.

Of course, all of this comes at a price and that price is around £4.4 million before taxes. But for a car that will be mentioned in the history books forever, it may be a price worth paying…if you can afford it.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Ferrari North Europe