The Finali Mondiali, an event that brings together drivers of the Ferrari Challenge series to decide World Champions of the Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell class titles, will take place at the Mugello Circuit in Florence between October 24th to October 30th. On the eve of the event, Ferrari will present the 296 challenge, the ninth model in the history of the Ferrari Challenge.

It has been a memorable year for the prancing horse, with history being made by winning the 100th-anniversary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and 499P which achieved victory will be honoured at the event.

But more on the 296 challenge, which is due to debut in the Europe and North America series in the 2024 season. Derived from the 296 GTB, the 296 Challenge has had significant modifications on the power unit and improvement in aerodynamics in order to ensure maximum performance on the track. The car generates in excess of 870 kg of downforce at 155 mph, figures not seen before in the single-make series.

It is also the first car in the history of the Ferrari Challenge series to be powered by a 120-degree V6 2992cc twin turbo engine - without the hybrid component. The result is a maximum torque of 740 Nm, a result that sets new power records. Braking performance and consistency are improved also and specifically developed Pirelli 19” tyres greatly improve the handling and performance of the car.

Away from the Finali Mondiali, this weekend's Formula 1 United States Grand Prix takes place at the Circuit of the Americas in Texas as Ferrari look to improve on last week’s 5th place and DNS from Qatar.

As this season draws to a close, the races this year have provided fleeting highlights for Ferrari as it looks to mount a challenge on Red Bull in next year’s championship, although Carlos Sainz’s win in the Singapore Grand Prix ended Red Bull’s fifteen race winning streak.

The Italian giants lie in third place in the Constructors’ Championship and 5th (Sainz) and 6th (Leclerc) in the Driver’s Championship, respectively, with five races left of the season.

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Ferrari North Europe