The 2024 season of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe kicked off in grand style at the Mugello Circuit, marking the 43rd appearance of this prestigious single-make championship at the Scarperia track. Known for being one of the longest-running and most competitive events of its kind, this season opener delivered pure adrenaline and excitement from the first lap.
Great anticipation and curiosity surrounded the European debut of the Ferrari 296 Challenge, the ninth car in the series, equipped with a 700 hp V6 engine. This racing beast, with a specific power output of 234 horsepower per liter, promises to revolutionize the competition with its extraordinary speed and agility.
Race 1: An Unforgettable Debut
The first races of the season showcased a mix of familiar faces and new talents on the podium. Franz Engstler (Ghom Motorsport – Engstler) triumphed in the Trofeo Pirelli, while Claus Zibrandtsen (Formula Racing) claimed victory in the Trofeo Pirelli Am. Tibor Valint (Scuderia Praha – Rossocorsa) dominated in Coppa Shell, and Andrea König (Gohm Motorsport – Haupt Racing Team) and Fabrizio Fontana (Formula Racing) excelled in the 488 class.
The excitement among the drivers was palpable, with Engstler praising his team’s efforts and the outstanding performance of the new Ferrari 296 Challenge. Zibrandtsen highlighted the superior speed of the car compared to previous models, while Valint celebrated a triumphant return after 14 years. König, back after a year of absence, thanked his team for making him competitive, and Fontana enjoyed an unforgettable first experience in the Ferrari world.
Race 2: Triumphs and Debuts
The first round concluded with Bence Valint winning the Trofeo Pirelli and Henrik Viol claiming victory in the Am class. Henry Hassid triumphed in Coppa Shell, while Zois Skrimpias won in Coppa Shell Am. Andreas Bøgh-Sorensen emerged victorious among the 488 Challenge Evo drivers.
Bence Valint enthusiastically discussed the differences between the 296 Challenge and the 488 Challenge Evo, expressing great satisfaction with his victory. Viol celebrated his first success in the Ferrari Challenge, and Hassid, returning after a few years of absence, thanked his team for their extraordinary support. Skrimpias, celebrating his first-ever win, shared his happiness with the fans, and Bøgh-Sorensen excitedly recounted his first victory behind the wheel of the 488 Challenge Evo.
A Brilliant Start
Among the 70 participants, we saw many new faces in the Ferrari Challenge Europe paddock, enriched by the presence of Oliver Bearman, Reserve Driver of the Scuderia Ferrari HP, who brought a wave of enthusiasm and inspiration.
With so much energy and passion, the Tubi Style team is ready for the second round in Balaton, Hungary, from May 30 to June 2! We look forward to experiencing more thrills and celebrating further successes in this extraordinary championship!
