As in both previous years, the Challenge and GT days were going to provide a sensational set of cars, rare and spectacular enough to put most Ferrari fans into an ecstasy comparable to the first night with their teenage lover… COVID-19 caused for a delay in dates, but Heinz Swoboda did not give up and went ahead in August. And every Ferrari fan and driver was thankful that he did.
In contrast to last year, I decided not to drive two times 1100 km’s in my horrendously uncomfortable Challenge car but to put it on a car ambulance instead. This was pure luxury compared to driving the road legal 348 Challenge all this way. More stressful though, as the car ambulance actually broke down. Even so, I made it to Spielberg with delay and was met by Heinz who gave a warm welcome, and we installed the car into the pit box. In the evening the drivers met up for a nice reception with view on the track (and a beautiful mountain!).
During the two days that followed, all drivers had plenty of driving time. It was great to see the Challenge and GT3/GTE cars line up and leave the pits. I personally loved the the 430 GT2, and 360 GT. Some groups with different driving speeds were combined however typically there was a small amount of cars on the track which made for safe driving (which got confirmed by having zero crashes). I must have driven almost 100 laps those days and was thrilled every time another exclusive car passed by.
In contrast to previous years, there were quite a few 348’s present and it is quite rare nowadays to see these cars together.
The big difference with the previous years was the presence of F1 cars. To stand in the pit-lane and see Gerhard Berger’s 1989 Ferrari 640 F1 car pass by a few meters next to you, is very impressive.
The organisation of the entire event was flawless, including a gala dinner with auction. Even the Sun came out to enjoy the two days and ensure a dry track at all times. Many thanks to Heinz and his team to organise this again. See you next year in April!
Ciao!
Robin
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