The Ferrari F430 Challenge is built to compete in the Ferrari Challenge series. It is based on the standard F430 with the same general look and the 490 hp engine. However, it also incorporates a large number of significant track-oriented modifications and a host of newer features not seen in race predecessors like the 360 Challenge, which it replaced in 2006.
The transfer from Formula 1 is significant. The braking system and the electronic gearbox is the same used by the F1 models. New 19-inch slick tires are designed to comply with very strict race regulations, which demand endurance while still delivering uncompromising performance. Weight has been reduced in every area of the car, from engineering to bodywork. The F430 Challenge boasts a curb weight of just 1.225 Kg (excluding fuel).
The Ferrari Challenge is a very exclusive racing series held since 1993 over 6 meetings with two 40-minute races per meeting. In 2007 the European series and the Italian series were been split in two distinct series: the Trofeo Pirelli for the more experienced racers (semi-pros) and the Coppa Shell for “amateur class”.
The F430 driven by the pilot Dario Caso of the CDP team raced in the Ferrari Challenge Italian Championship in Trofeo Pirelli series in 2006. The car ranked 12th overall with 43 points, 14 of which were contributed by entering the race held at the Vallelunga Circuit. It features a sleek all-black body with a Coco-Cola livery. It looks almost as spectacular in 1:18 scale as it does in the winners circle!