The 2012 season - Ferrari Corse Clienti

LA STAGIONE/THE SEASON
The races are always held on the best tracks, as part of events organised by
Ferrari itself, such as the Ferrari Racing Days which host all the main activities
run by the Corse Clienti department. While the F430 Challenge finally
bows out, making way for the 458 Challenge, other changes for 2012 mean
that while the two categories – Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa Shell – remain, the
length of the races has changed to 30 minutes, while qualifying maintains its
format of two 30 minute sessions, as well as an hour of Free Practice. The first
qualifying decides the grid for Race 1 and the second for Race 2. Apart from
drivers entered singly, entries are still accepted from crews made up of two drivers:
in this latter case, each of the two drivers will take part in one qualifying
session and one race, while at the end of the classification, the points scored
by both drivers are added together. At each race, the driver, or both drivers in
a crew, will score a point for pole position and one for the fastest race lap. In
2010, a rolling start was introduced in accordance with FIA procedures, with
special prizes going to the winners of the Coppa Team, Trofeo Pirelli and Coppa
Shell. Younger competitors are also looked after with a lower entry fee for
the under-25s, who this year also get to race for a Coppa Giovani if competing
in the Trofeo Pirelli, while there is also a Coppa Gentleman for the over 55s.
As usual Ferrari Genuine Prize Money goes to the top five in each category,
alongside a series of initiatives aimed at reducing the cost of taking part in
a season’s racing. However, what is available to all is a highly competitive
series with the races being closely contested from start to finish. The Trofeo
Pirelli always features some well known names who tackle the Challenge to
up their own profile and prestige as well as that of the Concessionaire whose
colours they fly. There are also some youngsters with just a bit of experience
behind them, who hope that the Challenge and the Ferrari name will propel
them towards a bright future in the sport, which has often been the case. The
Coppa Shell races are particularly action packed, with the grids made up of
gentleman drivers of all ages and levels of experience.
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