Learning in a Ferrari
Discussion
I used to kart a little as a child but that was a long time ago. I’m quite keen to get onto a race track again and start learning (you only live once right?). Other than my daily car, I have a new Ferrari F8 Tributo. Should I consider taking this on track and learning in it, or would I be far better off purchasing a much cheaper, slower car for the track that I don’t worry about scratching or throwing about? I imagine I’d be quite nervous in the F8. If so, I would appreciate some suggestions. Many thanks.
I can see the concern, but on the flip that car has been made for driving. I’d do an MSV trackday at Bedford and book instruction. It’s probably the safest circuit in terms of run off, fast, can be technical to get it properly hooked up and it’s well run with garages available.
I see a lot of high end machinery there, like GT3s, Mclarens, R8s all playing safely.
I see a lot of high end machinery there, like GT3s, Mclarens, R8s all playing safely.
If you have the money for a F8 Tributo, you probably have the money for a car which is far more appropriate for the track and will teach you far more about the art of driving at the limit - which is what track driving is all about.
The F8 has a limit, but very few people are able or would dare to find it, given that it is not engineered to be driven at it constantly like a specialised track car. It is chock full of electronic gadgetry designed to interfere with the car's behaviour at the limit to keep it safe on roads. On a track, it has neither the mechanical or aerodynamic grip relative to its weight to really do justice to the engine. It is a mighty fine car - a wonderful thing - but it is not a track car. The components are expensive, and if you crash it or dink it, the repairs will be eye-wateringly expensive. It is not designed for setup changes at trackside, or to give you the raw sensations of a racing car. It's just not quite right for tracks. Does it have a four point harness? Appropriate seats? Tyres? An interior that can take a helmet knock? Is the steering direct enough? etc.
Buy something like a Caterham (track spec) and some proper timing equipment, a race helmet, suit, all that stuff. Use that as your track car and adrenaline machine. It is lighter, simpler, more fuel efficient and less complex. The components can be tweaked easily and are inexpensive. It can be pushed to a safe, predictable limit and used as a learning tool. There is no electronic gadgetry interfering with what the tyres or brakes are doing. Take it out with an instructor and you will learn so, so much more about how to drive on track and how to really hustle a racing car.
Caterhams come in all sorts of flavours - I'd say a Seven 360 or 420 in R-spec (i.e. track spec) would be enough, probably with an h-shift manual or if you like, a sequential box. The 620R, which I've had the pleasure to drive, would be an absolute hoot on slicks.
Of course there are other options - M3s, MX5s, Porsches - but find something analogue and tractable which allows you to hone your instincts.
Keep up the karting too - it's really brilliant for honing your skills and your physical endurance!
The F8 has a limit, but very few people are able or would dare to find it, given that it is not engineered to be driven at it constantly like a specialised track car. It is chock full of electronic gadgetry designed to interfere with the car's behaviour at the limit to keep it safe on roads. On a track, it has neither the mechanical or aerodynamic grip relative to its weight to really do justice to the engine. It is a mighty fine car - a wonderful thing - but it is not a track car. The components are expensive, and if you crash it or dink it, the repairs will be eye-wateringly expensive. It is not designed for setup changes at trackside, or to give you the raw sensations of a racing car. It's just not quite right for tracks. Does it have a four point harness? Appropriate seats? Tyres? An interior that can take a helmet knock? Is the steering direct enough? etc.
Buy something like a Caterham (track spec) and some proper timing equipment, a race helmet, suit, all that stuff. Use that as your track car and adrenaline machine. It is lighter, simpler, more fuel efficient and less complex. The components can be tweaked easily and are inexpensive. It can be pushed to a safe, predictable limit and used as a learning tool. There is no electronic gadgetry interfering with what the tyres or brakes are doing. Take it out with an instructor and you will learn so, so much more about how to drive on track and how to really hustle a racing car.
Caterhams come in all sorts of flavours - I'd say a Seven 360 or 420 in R-spec (i.e. track spec) would be enough, probably with an h-shift manual or if you like, a sequential box. The 620R, which I've had the pleasure to drive, would be an absolute hoot on slicks.
Of course there are other options - M3s, MX5s, Porsches - but find something analogue and tractable which allows you to hone your instincts.
Keep up the karting too - it's really brilliant for honing your skills and your physical endurance!
I'd say hire something RWD for a day. E.g. https://www.track-group.com/product-category/track... (Other rental providers exist)
Then decide.
Then decide.
bigothunter said:
Mo28 said:
Clio 182 is what you need
But it's FWD 
Doesn't help learning of RWD techniques appropriate to the Ferrari.I wonder what trackday insurance costs for an F8
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