Ferrari 296 Challenge: I drove the car of the one-make championship

The Ferrari 296 Challenge is the new racing car that the Maranello-based manufacturer has developed for its one-make trophy. It is the successor to a family that started with the Ferrari 348 Challenge and has continued to evolve up to the Ferrari 488 Challenge EVO before the 296 Challenge of today.

In the latest handover the V8 engine has given way to the V6, which compared to the production model - the Ferrari 296 GTB - is no longer a hybrid. The men from the Prancing Horse let us drive it on the Spanish circuit of Monteblanco. Here's how it went.

The dominatrix of the air

The Ferrari 296 Challenge is the star of a one-make championship divided into four areas (Europe, North America, England and Japan), with the addition for 2025 of the region called Australasia. The aerodynamics are inspired by its bigger sister, the Ferrari 296 GT3, with a vertical load at 155 mph of 870 kg, 18% more than the Ferrari 488 Challenge.

Photo by: Ferrari

Ferrari 296 Challenge

An important contribution is made by a duct known as the S-Duct, which acts as an aerodynamic damper by connecting the bottom of the car with the upper part of the body, reducing pitch sensitivity and, in general, making the car's reactions more constant even on circuits with uneven asphalt. The rear bumper has a profile with openings that better evacuate air from the wheel arches, and the rear wing is made of carbon fibre to keep weight down.

Other aerodynamic appendages - such as the front splitter, side skirts and rear diffuser - are made of plastic materials, a choice that reduces replacement costs when cars are damaged during racing.

Without compromise. And without electrics

The Ferrari 296 Challenge's engine is a twin-turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 that delivers maximum power of 700 PS at 7,500 rpm and has 740 Nm of torque at 6,000 rpm. Compared to the standard Ferrari 296 GTB, the 296 Challenge's powertrain lacks the electric motor and high-voltage battery. Also compared to the 296 GTB, the Challenge's engine is turbocharged with 10 per cent more top speed (up to 180,000 rpm), for a higher boost pressure and a power increase of 37 PS. The specific power output of the 6-cylinder thus rises to 234 PS/litre.

Photo by: Ferrari

The Ferrari 296 Challenge mounts the 3.0 V6 twin-turbo with 700 PS and 740 Nm of torque, without electrification

How I brake 700 PS

The braking system of the 296 Challenge is redesigned compared to the road version. The CCM-R Plus carboceramic discs, with a diameter of 408 mm at the front and 390 mm at the rear, have surfaces coated with a special ceramic layer of silicon carbide and a long-fibre structure.

This increases wear resistance, stabilises performance under the most extreme conditions of use, and makes the discs last throughout the season without the need for replacement. In addition, the ventilation system is optimised and the Evo Track ABS is controlled by a brake-by-wire system.

The 296 Challenge is fitted with tyres developed specifically by Pirelli for the Ferrari one-make championship. Thanks in part to these tyres, the Maranello-based company recorded an improvement of up to 6 seconds on the lap at Mugello over the 488 Challenge Evo (2 seconds in the case of 'Pro' drivers).

Photo by: Ferrari

The 296 Challenge is fitted with carboceramic discs coated with a special ceramic layer of silicon carbide

Alone or in pairs. Always on track

Inside the 296 Challenge the steering wheel is taken from the 488 Challenge Evo and on the dashboard the controls are reorganised to make the most frequently used functions immediately accessible. A new feature is the digital instrument panel, where the LED bar for checking engine revs is more legible than in the previous version. If desired, a passenger seat can also be installed, which can be easily removed, so that an instructor (or another guest) can climb in for a track session. Having to drive on circuits with stricter noise restrictions, the exhaust system's silencers make it possible to pass the sound level meter checks.

Photo by: Ferrari

The cockpit of the Ferrari 296 Challenge can have one or two seats

Ferrari 296 Challenge: not for everyone

The Ferrari 296 Challenge can be had for a price of €390,000 (approx. £322,000) VAT included, to allow drivers and enthusiasts to race and experience the excitement of the track while having a professional racing car with the experience and assistance of excellence of Ferrari's racing history.

Photo by: Ferrari

The price of the Ferrari 296 Challenge is 390,000 euro (VAT included)

Ferrari 296 Challenge: the Pilota Course

In the video that accompanies this article, I was able to tell you not only about the 296 Challenge, but also about the experience that can be had by those who sign up for one of the 'Pilota Courses' that Ferrari organises to improve their driving skills on board a Maranello Red. They are structured in several levels (Pilota Sport Course, Pilota Evolution Course +, Pilota Race Course) and it is possible to have sessions with personalised programmes tailored to one's needs (with a Pilota Personal Coaching Course) or even take part in a Pilota Classiche Course, to improve driving skills in historic Ferraris.

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