for any fan formula 1, Maranello It is a place of pilgrimage, a city that must be visited once in a lifetime for the passion distilled by him. “Big Circus” in all respects. And, of course, for living close to the family, Ferrari, the town team, the love of life and the very kind residents for what they consider to be their heart.

last week before going Italian Grand Prix at MonzaMD decided to take a two-and-a-half-hour trip to soak up that special atmosphere. Emilia RomagnaThere is a city where people’s souls dwell, Maranelloreceived this newspaper with open arms. Alone, I visited the most mythical place in town.

plant

First stop was a must. The legendary Ferrari factory, a key point that all visitors must pass through. Located on one of the main entrance streets before reaching the central square.

Red flags and Prancing Horse road signs at surrounding properties warn visitors about arriving at a unique location. There you’ll find the legendary entrance to the Red Dream Factory, where the first Ferrari, his 125-S, was born in 1947 (75 years ago). A tour to the closest location to the theme park will begin.

Church warns of Ferrari victory

After the usual ‘selfie’, 50 meters away is the building where Gestione Sportiva, the entire F1 team since 2015, has moved. Its doors always carry the Italian flag, accompanied by the ‘Cavallino Rampante’ flag, which is always equal to the number of victories Ferrari has won in a year. And if it coincides that it is a Sunday, another can warn of victory from the house: the church bell tower. Its bell always warns of red hits.

The church is a further 50 meters from the mythical walls of the mill, in front of a square with impressive statues. There are no thinkers, politicians or artists. The statue is a large ‘Cavallino Rampante’ and marks the heart of those who did not hesitate to invite the MD to experience the race on Sunday. Many neighborhood residents usually watch the races at the town auditorium. This time I had to return to Monza for the Italian GP, ​​so it will be another opportunity.

sport management

Return to Gestione Sportiva, the bastion of F1 teams. It’s where all Ferrari’s secrets are hidden, and every detail has been thought through to ensure that communication between departments is as fluid and quick as possible.

There, engineers and mechanics will spend their days creating F1 parts, while drivers will work in state-of-the-art simulators, due to be released in 2021. 4 meters tall for him. It’s now a multi-million dollar structure that simulates every racing situation.

Everything has been thought through to the smallest detail, so the Gestione Sportiva is right next to the legendary Fiorano track, inside which houses a building dedicated to star clients and even owns a billionaire-owned F1 car. increase. Like an epic wind tunnel.

Fiorano Circuit

Visitors can go to the Circuit Gate, but nothing can be seen there. To do so, if there is a private test in Formula 1 or a tram from the previous year, they will need to speak to one of its inhabitants, one of whom is the magical bridge that is the entrance bridge to Maranello. Take us on a bike to one of his on the corner. From there, you can watch most of the track in privileged view for free.

The next stop is that street full of street Ferrari driving experiences, souvenir shops, “merchandising” and collectibles. Next to the factory is the museum-like Maranello Collection. His regent was clear. just by looking at it. There is history here. ” Pure hospitality.

Museum and Ristorante Montana

Another important point is the Enzo Ferrari Museum. Exhibits change regularly. Except for the exhibit in the magic room “Sala de las Victorious” where the company’s trophies, helmets of all world champions and crown jewels are displayed. All world champion cars from Ferrari drivers and constructors.

Ristorante Montana

If you have time, we recommend visiting the monument honoring Gilles Villeneuve at the foot of the street in the heart of the estate. And, of course, the legendary Ristorante Montana, which is impossible without a reservation, as it is always full, even in winter. This was the home where the most legendary Ferrari drivers ate and stayed in the days when F1 was free to test.

There, ‘Mamma Rosella’, the nickname given to her by Michael Schumacher, continued to cook the ‘tagliatelle al ragout’ so beloved by the ‘Kaiser’, served in a room full of unique pieces of Ferrari history. rice field.

But first of all, you shouldn’t leave Maranello without talking to people. If you leave early, I recommend going to the cafeteria in the center of town and talking to the residents. 80% of the inhabitants live directly or indirectly in the same way as Ferrari. They are the ones who best describe what Ferrari means to the town as a whole, and Italy as a whole. You don’t have to understand him. Enjoy his passion and love of color.