Charlie Cooksey recaps his unique tryst with the prancing horse at the Italian brand’s home.
I’ve driven a lot of cars in a lot of places. But nothing quite prepares you for driving a Ferrari on its home turf, Fiorano. I was invited to attend Corso Pilota, Ferrari’s official driving course, hosted in the heart of Maranello.
This town isn’t just the home of Ferrari. It is Ferrari. Red flags flying, car-shaped chocolates in cafés, and the unmistakable hum of engines in the air – it’s everywhere. Maranello lives and breathes the Prancing Horse.
Corso Pilota is about learning to drive a Ferrari properly. I took the wheel of a 296 GTB and hit Fiorano, Ferrari’s private test track built by Enzo himself in the 1970s. With an instructor beside me each lap, I got real-time coaching through every corner.
The best part was the data. After a few laps, I’d hand in a chip from the car and sit with a specialist. They broke down my driving line by line. Turns out, what felt right wasn’t always fastest. Their advice worked. I was shaving off seconds every session.
Over two days, I drove more track miles than ever before. It was pure adrenaline, total focus, and absolute joy. The 296 GTB was sharp, agile, and addicting.
I also got to drive the new Ferrari 12Cilindri through the Italian countryside. Smooth roads, perfect weather, and a car that responded to every input with elegance and power. It was a dream.
Corso Pilota is more than a course. It’s a rare glimpse into Ferrari’s DNA. If you’re ever lucky enough to attend, take it. It’s an immersion. It’s a thrill. It’s Ferrari.
To experience the Ferrari Corso Pilota, contact 17734734 or visit www.bahrain.ferraridealers.com
