La Famiglia: Ferrari Customer Tour of Sardinia
What do you get if you put twenty Ferrari owners and their cars together in Sardinia? A war of egos to rival a global conflict? Bar tabs that would make an Emir wince? The decimation of local petrol supplies? I’m sure that there are a multitude of sentences that could follow and be the set-up for a pretty good joke.
The answer, however, is that one gets a weekend that will remain etched in the memory for years to come. It was exceptional. It was emotional. It was schvitzing. Bella Ferrari!
Invitations. They come across the desk, and they are considered, sifted through and decisions are made. Or, they come from the communications team at Maranello, and then the question becomes how quickly can one respond in the positive. Considering my friends and family, contacts and acquaintances both close and distant, all lament my inability to respond to even the most urgent of communiques. I saw Ferrari, I saw Sardinia, dates be damned – I’ll make this work.
The reason for the invite? The Ferrari Customer Tour of Sardinia 2023. Ferrari, as some of you will undoubtedly know, hosts driving experiences for customers the world over. These are curated events that are tailored according to themes or destinations, giving clients the opportunity to drive their own vehicles in some of the world’s most scenic spots, with some of the best-selected experiences to sit alongside the driving. Having visited Sardinia for the first-time last year, I knew immediately that the vistas would be impeccable, the roads sublime, and the local traffic poorly trained. But in the company of like-minded individuals, and carefully curated food and beverages for the three days, slumming it ‘twas not.
I turned up as a late arrival, and I should add, not a Ferrari owner. I was whisked efficiently from Olbia via the ubiquitous S-Class, a short ride across to the base of the tour: the Petra Segreta Resort just outside of Porto Cervo. This is a gem in the hills that involves a slightly concerning meander down some really questionable Sardinian backroads, but what it does lead you to is an intimate low-built resort, nestled snugly in the rocky landscape this part of the world is famous for. A short hop to the room to refresh, and I made my way to the hotel’s expansive garden terrace where I met some of my fellow attendees.
The breadth of Europe was represented with attendees from the United Kingdom, Italy, Germany, Switzerland and Ukraine. I may have missed a couple – if I did, I certainly apologise. There was a mix of ages. A mix of reasons. A mix of metal in the car park and at home. Yet one thing united them all: the Cavallino sat on the front of each and every one of their cars tucked up safely overnight. Despite the mixtures of background and hometown, they shared a love of firstly the automotive landscape, and secondly, the Ferrari brand that they had all very much bought into, both figuratively and literally.
The cynic in me is perhaps inured to the rather trite call of ‘family’ in the sense of brand association. With cars, it’s perhaps worse, with any mention of the word giving rise to visions of a vest-wearing Vin Diesel arguing with Dwayne Johnson about something or the other. But here, it felt very real. Very honest. The guests chatted amongst themselves about recent trips with their cars and other Ferrari events attended. A couple had recently returned from seeing the Ferrari victory at Le Mans, serendipity indeed in their 75th year. I chatted with Lorenzo, the tour lead, about his background in racing and his love for Ferrari. I was made to feel relaxed and as welcome as any other attendee. In fact, everyone was keen to share their experiences past and present. They weren’t a cultish army, but a group of aficionados helping me get into the mindset of why they come, and come back again. Had it not been for the ferociously punchy watch line-up across the wrists, this could have been a meal anywhere with anyone; a gathering of people simply chatting about a shared passion.
I retired early to rest and gather my energy for the ride ahead the next day. We were to depart on a ferry to take us to the neighbouring isle of La Maddalena, a UNESCO world heritage site.
There are certain life experiences that elicit emotions that go above and beyond what is actually going on. Driving through a sleepy Sardinian village on a Saturday morning, flanked by 20 other Ferraris whilst the local population waved and gave thumbs up genuinely brought a lump to my throat. It all seemed so, so perfect. I had been afforded the loan of a Ferrari-owned 296GTS, their new pocket rocket. Tastefully optioned in Rosso Imola and Nero, the two-tone paint is reminiscent of the BBis of the 80’s and more recently the SP12EC made for Eric Clapton. The interior was a mixture of Sabbia and Nero and the now seemingly standard matte carbon bejewelled the majority of the cabin’s touchpoints.
Walking amongst the other attendees, I took in a couple more 296s, a California, multiple 812GTS’ and low and behold, a gaggle of SF90s. One, a tailor-made Grigio example, was owned by a lovely UK lady attending with her husband. Now, this was just a small part of a summer-long European tour she was undertaking with her car. With multiple stops and multiple revolving friends for the trip, it gave her the chance to enjoy her car across some wonderful vistas. Why? Because she loves her car. That’s the pull, that’s the hook. Perhaps it’s presumptuous of me to say, but there was also absolutely no gender divide on the tour, so I can certainly see the allure over some slightly less polished events. Ferrari has also just completed a ladies’ tour in Ibiza, which from the account of more than one attendee here, was a resounding success. They look to include, and that is admirable.
Our first kilometres took us through the surrounding countryside, where we stopped for refreshments at Gallincantu Stazzo Retreat – a sun-dappled property where snacks and a watermelon juice to rival crack-cocaine in its addictive properties were on offer. This isn’t a tour where one needs to seek out refreshments and find places to park. This is a tour where we were welcomed at each stop by flags bearing the company logo, and took pre-planned routes where pre-placed photographers dotted the landscape. It was what I imagine being an influencer is like if you have to do exactly none of what it entails. Thankfully.
Out to the Port at Palau. With as much subtlety as possible, we crept our way through the port town to line ourselves up to await the returning ferry. Immediately the locals, tourists, cyclists and tradesmen making use of the route sensed how special an occasion it was and walked, nay, skipped the aisles where the cars were parked. Thumbs firmly up and smiles fully plastered as they had friends pose or posed themselves to immortalise the occasion. On the ferry, the walkway below the bridge became a viewing gallery and photo opportunity, as one and all jostled for the best vantage point from which to see all the cars together. That most of us, the attendees, were part of the scrum gives some indication of how special it was, and how – as I said – no one was bound by the chains of ego.
Set down a short twenty-minute journey across the Tyrrhenian Sea, we arrived on La Maddalena to a now not unexpected (but still wonderfully well-received) welcome by the inhabitants of the island. The Italians and their near neighbours seem to have a natural affinity with Ferrari, and we were left with no doubt that people’s days were being made brighter.
This seems as good a place as anywhere to interject with some information pertaining to the car in question. The 296 heralded part of a new era for Ferrari in the move towards hybridisation and the creation of this 120 degree turbocharged V6, dubbed internally as the mini V12. The hybrid, turbocharged V6 has also been the standard in Formula 1 since 2014, so Maranello is not short of experience.
Featuring a virtual cockpit, passenger display, Apple Carplay and the like, it is a supercar with all the day-to-day trappings that one requires for usability in the modern age. A shortened wheelbase makes for a car so lithe and responsive that it is difficult to reign in one’s urges, as it makes use of its power so easily. The hybrid addition to the drivetrain also provides up to 26 miles of electric power, should one want to silently glide through the foothills of whatever international paradise you may be touring. Not this weekend. Set to hybrid to make use of the electric torque fill, progress can be rampant. Lorenzo gave a great mix of pace to keep us on our toes, and the periods spent within the car balanced seamlessly and at a perfect pace to the time outside of it. Another lunch, bathed in the fierce Sardinian sun, was taken at a leisurely pace and with as much hydration as possible given the temperatures. The meal was punctuated by stories and anecdotes as attendees caught up on the previous hours driving, previous tours, or the last time they were with each other.
The return journey allowed for more of the same. A lovely trip via the ferry, another set of ferry passengers amazed by the presence of so many prancing horses and a whole new group of pedestrians to wow once out the other side. A drive to the hotel before evening entertainment meant that the journey was leisurely enough for us to take in both the views and the visceral nature of what it all represented.
Not knowing Sardinia well, I was amazed as we were whisked via transfer to PHI Beach and ‘The Rock’ restaurant; a quasi-Ibiza beach club and restaurant famed for their sunsets, or at least their vantage point for sunsets. Now, I’m not really one for ‘club’ nights, and this, in truth, was the latest I have been out for months. I may well have drunk more than my fair share. But the relaxed nature, and the lack of requirement to stand on ceremony to staff or guests alike meant that it was difficult not to just cut loose and have fun. The meal, as the meals that preceded it, was a mixture of Sardinian traditional fare and some of the freshest seafood possible. This was complemented, when it was appropriate, with some lovely wine, and one was under no illusions as to the overall quality of the tour organisation. A real testament to all involved at Maranello and the wider ecosystem. The headache that punctuated my morning however? Well that’s a whole different story, with no one to blame or praise but myself.
Ferrari 296GTS driving on the road to Porto Cervo.
My final day with the Tour was ensconced very much within the ultra-comfortable cabin of my 296GTS. A morning stop at a vineyard provided the interval to the fullest day of driving thus far. It was probably needed given the state of my head, but I can attest to the fact that there is no better cure for one’s ills than a spirited morning drive in a convertible Ferrari. I am blessed with a strong constitution so nausea was not an issue, which was fortunate given the dynamic performance that the car offers. The speed at which it changes direction could have led to an accident for a less committed drinker. I jest.
Again, the stops were a mass of chat and frivolity, because, well, that’s the point. It’s fun, it’s a break, it’s unabashed enjoyment – exactly as it should be. We spoke of many things, the attendees and I. I asked questions and listened eagerly because I was so interested in finding the reasons for their passion and also their assurance as to the brand, its ethos and the products that it would make. One example being, a wonderful, ebullient Ukrainian attendee and I were discussing the brand and his affection. He had brought with him an 812 GTS with an Oro stripe – there was over a year in discussion for that addition alone. He also mentioned he had laid a deposit for the new V12, a car he knows absolutely nothing about other than a part of the drivetrain set-up. I asked why. His answer? He knows that he will want it, and has such confidence in the brand that whatever ends up at the end of the production line, it will be a quality product he will be proud to have under ownership.
Due to the unfortunate skeleton nature of some flight paths, I had to leave the group at lunch to take my transfer across the isle and back to Olbia. I enjoyed a final flurry for an hour in the 296, and I was further regaled by the ease at which one can access her performance, and blown away by the tractability of the chassis and its poise and refinement over a variety of surfaces.
What did I take from the Ferrari Tour Sardinia 2023? Well, I am not a European Ferrari Challenge winner, I haven’t won the European Rally Championship, I don’t own a stately home nor am I as tall and good-looking as either of the Dutch gentlemen who were so graciously welcoming to me. Nevertheless, there was camaraderie in spades. There was a love, not only for cars, but in particular for one car alone. For a brand at the pinnacle of what they do – and this, funnily enough, was the great leveller.
These events aren’t so much a reward as a thank you. A thank you for the choice, for the investment. These are days where the headline is the experience and one that sits alongside, rather than above or below the product. I may have been overly harsh on ol’ Dominic Toretto, perhaps it really is all about family.
Special thanks go to Chiara Longo (Head of communications Ferrari Europe and Africa, Christina Anzel (Marketing Manager Ferrari Europe and Africa), Michele Comelli (head of Ferrari South Europe), and Lorenzo Granai (driving lead) All stood together to create a product and an experience that must be unrivalled in the ownership stakes. It was firmly their dedication to the cause that created such a special trip. Additionally, I must mention the innumerable support staff, the photographers who captured such wonderful imagery, the staff at Petra Segreta and those staff at all the stops where we were hosted and fed and watered with such grace.
Now, to go and buy a Ferrari…
