2025 FF Corse GT Driver Academy Applications Open

2025 Applications Now Open

Applications for the 2025 GT Driver Academy are now open which is free to enter, and has no ongoing costs for those selected to be a part of the programme.

2024 members received benefits such as simulator time and mentoring from iZone Performance, media training from Louise Goodman, fitness assessments from Gridshark Atheltic Performance, special discounts from Grand Prix Racewear, GT Driver Academy team kit, continual support and advice from the FF Corse management team and finally, an end of season ride or drive (for those old enough) in one of our Ferrari race cars at Silverstone. The selection process will be conducted by a panel of judges from the FF Corse management team and industry experts.

This is very much about discovering and nurturing the GT racing stars of tomorrow, and GT3 racing in particular has become a very interesting category, both commercially and from an engineering/sporting point of view. We want to help drivers gain a foothold by becoming involved early and shaping their careers.

The Academy is open to drivers of all ages and disciplines, with no predetermined criteria. Enter now!

Ferrari 296 GT3 Arrives at FF Corse

In an exciting development to FF Corse's return to GT3 racing, the team can now confirm their brand new 296 GT3 has arrived at Silverstone following a successful shakedown in Europe.

CEO and founder of FF Corse Anthony Cheshire says, “We are so excited to get back to GT3 racing after a few years away but we’ve had plenty of success at this level, and our in house preparations are well underway. The 296 GT3 is a very impressive car, which has been beautifully engineered and put together by Oreca, and is already proven to be highly competitive. This next generation of GT3 cars is a big step on from the previous however we are confident we have the resources required for a successful campaign. Our preference is the British GT Championship but we have also discussed other GT3 programmes with clients. Ultimately the programme will be dictated by the driver(s) who wish to go on the journey with us.”

Anthony continued, “As such, we would like to invite any interested parties to Silverstone to discuss our ambitions, and their own ambitions along with the budget requirements of each championship. We have an open test scheduled for the car where those wishing to try the car before committing to a programme can do so.”

FF Corse GT3

FF Corse eyeing 2025 British GT title with Ferrari 296 GT3

FF Corse are thrilled to announce our plans to target the 2025 British GT Championship with an all-new Ferrari 296 GT3.

The 296, Ferrari’s latest GT3-spec racer, is currently expected to be the only one of its kind in UK competition should our entry be accepted by British GT organiser

Having secured victory at the Ferrari Challenge Finali Mondiali for the third time last year, we are positioning ourselves for the all out win on UK soil in 2025.

FF Corse, which boasts over 260 race wins in its 15 year history, has delivered an impressive 12 months of racing dominating an invitational entry in the GT Cup, as well as 6 race wins  in Ferrari Challenge Europe. Now, with the arrival of Ferrari’s latest model, it looks set to pose one of the most serious levels of competition in British GT next year, should its entry be accepted.

“The 296 GT3 is scheduled to arrive with us in September, when we will begin an extensive testing programme,” commented FF Corse CEO Anthony Cheshire.

“This is an exceptional model that is built to suit the needs of gentlemen and pro drivers, whilst also designed to win, so we expect a great deal of interest in our driver opportunities for the season ahead.

He added: “British GT represents the highest level of endurance motorsport in the UK, with so many supercar manufacturers represented on its grid and such a highly competitive pool of driving talent.

“We’ve enjoyed race wins in British GT before and have always kept one eye on the UK scene, despite our busy European schedule.

“The arrival of our Ferrari 296 GT3 gives us the perfect package with which to re-enter British GT - where we’re confident we’ll be challenging for race wins and the overall Championship.

“Alongside this, we’ll continue to look at opportunities in race programmes across Europe.”

The Ferrari 296 GT3 will be prepared at our Silverstone workshops from where much of our previous success with Ferraris has come.

Anthony continued: “With the 296 GT3, our association with the legendary Ferrari brand, plus our proven winning record on the track, we can provide a unique opportunity for an ambitious Pro-Am pairing.”

FF Corse also recently revealed the nine drivers it is supporting as part of its new GT Driver Academy – designed to nurture young talent specifically looking to pursue careers in GT and sportscar racing.

FF Corse GT3

Five Races to do in Your Ferrari Challenge Car This Year

Ferrari Racing

1. Bell Sport Challenge, Festival Italia – Brands Hatch 11th August

Running on the Indy Circuit at Brands Hatch on the 11th August, this single round will be in front of the crowds for the annual Festival Italia – a celebration of Italian machinery. The format will follow a qualifying session and two 25 minute races, creating an action packed day of racing.

The entry list already has 12 cars confirmed and there is limited space for more. Eligible cars are Ferrari all 360, 430, 458, 488 Challenge models. The action also includes racing from the Superformance Ferrari Club Classic, for Ferrari 308, 328, 348, and 355 which is always a great show.

2. GT Trophy – Silverstone GP 23-25 August

Join one of the biggest race meetings of the year, The Silverstone Festival. This annual event features car of all eras, from 1960s sports and touring cars, and some of the latest Le Mans machinery.

The Masters GT Trophy race is eligible for all paddle shift Ferrari Challenge models, 360-488 and the grid also contains Porsche Carrera Cup cars and Lamborghini Super Trofeos. The 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop allows one or two drivers per car in what will surely be a sell out grid. Get ready to wave to the crowds!

3. GT Cup – Silverstone GP 27-28 July

Founded in 2007, GT Cup caters for all types of modern GT cars in a multiclass format contains GT3s, GT4s, Challenge cars, even down to some homemade specials!

The weekend format contained two 25 minute sprint races, and two 50 minute pit stop races, ensuring plenty of track time and competitive racing. Cars can be driven solo, but preferably shared with a PRO driver if you’d like to get on the podium in this competitive series.

4. GT Trophy – Donington 3-4 August

Another entry for GT Trophy, this time at Donington for the Masters Historic Festival. Again the weekend features cars of all eras, from 1960s sports and touring cars and some of the latest Le Mans machinery, but this time there are two 45 minute pitstop races over the weekend, for one or two drivers.

The Masters GT Trophy race is eligible for all paddle shift Ferrari Challenge models, 360-488 and the grid also contains Porsche Carrera Cup cars and Lamborghini Super Trofeos. The 50 minute race with a mandatory pit stop, allows one or two drivers per car in what will sure to be a sell out grid.

5. British Endurance Championship – Donington 10th August

BEC features multiple classes within their 2 hour endurance format, which includes mandatory pitstops, tyre changes and refuelling, making these races as much about strategy as outright pace. And all of that takes place over just one day!

Fast and frantic, BEC is open to all paddle shift Ferrari Challenge cars and GT3 specification cars, for one or two drivers – but do it with a friend and have some fun!

FF Corse provide race preparation, logistics and race support for all of the above events and more. If you would like further details, or to submit an entry, please get in touch.

Get Your Race Licence

Getting your circuit racing licence isn’t as daunting as you may think. There are many advantages of getting your race licence – even if you don’t intend to go racing.

Cars For Sale

Are you looking for your next race car? FF Corse have a selection of Ferraris for sale,  and we offer a pre-purchase inspection report for your peace of mind.

FF Corse GT Driver Academy 2024

Nine drivers selected for FF Corse’s inaugural GT Driver Academy

Silverstone, June, 2024: Internationally acclaimed Ferrari GT racing specialist FF Corse has confirmed the nine young names it has selected to be part of its inaugural GT Driver Academy in 2024.

FF Corse, a prolific race winner with Ferrari including 2023’s Finali Mondiali Trofeo Pirelli with Thomas Fleming at Mugello, has launched the Academy to help guide drivers specifically targeting a professional career path in GT racing.

Its selection was made following assessment of a high-quality list of candidates that included the winner and two other finalists from last year’s X30 Kart World Championship.

As part of the programme, the Academy’s drivers will have the opportunity to test FF Corse’s Ferrari Challenge car.

They will also receive media and commercial training, fitness assessment and engineering guidance, plus time on iZone’s state-of-the-art racing simulators.

In addition, FF Corse will evaluate each driver’s development in and out of the car, whilst providing on-going feedback and mentoring. Each Academy driver will demonstrate their ability within their own championships throughout 2024.

“We’ve launched the FF Corse GT Driver Academy to support and provide a credible path to a professional racing career, as drivers increasingly find single-seater budgets unrealistic,” explained Phil Bennett, Programme Manager.

“This is very much about discovering and nurturing the GT racing stars of tomorrow, and GT3 racing in particular has become a very interesting category, both commercially and from an engineering/sporting point of view. We want to help drivers gain a foothold by becoming involved early and shaping their careers.

“We have some very exciting talents amongst our first nine drivers and look forward to working with them in 2024 and helping them develop as athletes and individuals.

“Whilst our intake for 2024 is now closed, we would welcome expressions of interest for our Academy in 2025 which is very much open to drivers from all nations.”

FF Corse’s 2024 GT Academy drivers are:

Archie Clark, aged 15: competing in Ginetta Juniors (previous front-runner in British and international karting)

Harry Burgoyne Jnr, aged 16: second season of GB4 (finished P5 in 2023; former Jnr ‘O’ Plate karting Champion

Khali Atkins

Khali Atkins, aged 19: 2023 X30 World & European karting Champion

Gus Lawrence

Gus Lawrence, aged 25: competing in Senior British, European & World X30 championships (P4 in 2023 X30 worlds; twice British X30 & O Plate Champion)

Marcus Littlewood

Marcus Littlewood, aged 19: competing in Radical SR1 Cup (P3 Senior X30 karting championship [P11 in worlds] & 2023 Motorsport UK Academy Young Driver of the Year)

Thomas Merritt, aged 14: competing in BRSCC Fiesta Juniors (2023 P2 GKL Junior karting championship)

Archie Owen

Archie Owen, aged 12: competing in British & European Junior X30 karting (graduated from Mini X30 in 2023)

Leo Robinson

Leo Robinson, aged 14: competing in Ultimate Karting Championship

Deacon Russell, aged 15: competing in British, European & UKC kart championships (Senior Rotax category)

Get Your Racing Licence

There are many advantages of getting your race licence – even if you don’t intend to go racing.

Getting your circuit racing licence isn’t as daunting as you may think.

Completed in just half a day, you will start with a simple written test proving your knowledge of flags and general track safety. This is followed by a short session on track to prove you understand the racing line and are in control of the car. That’s it! Depending on your age, you may also require a medical and eye test.

There are many advantages to completing your ARDS (Association of Racing Driver Schools) test.

Test Days

Different to track days, test days are only for racing cars and those with a race licence. Cars are generally closer in performance compared to track day roads cars, and the standard of driving is of a higher quality.

Test days also permit live lap timing, allowing us to track your performance during the day closely. Furthermore, unlike a track day, overtaking is permitted in the corners, as well as on the straights.

Ultimately, test days generally have far fewer cars on track and higher noise limits, so no getting stuck behind that pesky Renault Clio, or being warned for making too much noise!

Try a Race

If you have a race licence, there are a huge range of options to enter your first race and it doesn’t have to be in a Ferrari. We work closely with a number of teams to provide fun and inexpensive race experiences such as Mazda MX5s, Funcup and Porsche Boxsters. Each race you complete will get you closer to upgrading your licence, allowing you to race higher-powered machinery, such as a Ferrari.

Sound good. Where do I start?

Order your Motorsport UK ‘Go Racing’ Pack. Just £109, the pack includes all the information you need to pass your ARDS test, as well as the application form. You can order one by clicking the following link.

And then?

Get your medical and eye test (if required) and give us a call. We can conduct your ARDS test on any of our UK track days. We can organise a car for you to use on the day, or you can use your own. Alternatively, you can do a specific ARDS course with a race school.

Ferrari Club Challenge UK 2024

FF Corse to provide customer support for Ferrari Club Challenge UK

FF Corse will continue to provide customer support to Ferrari’s on track activities, to be run in conjunction with Ferrari Challenge UK.

Club Challenge UK (previously Passione Challenge Edition) is hosted by the Ferrari Challenge race series and is designed to be a perfect introduction to those considering racing in the series or those wishing to get their cars on track in the UK. Solely supported by FF Corse, entries for the series are now invited.

The event will focus on refining your skills and developing you as a driver. Not a traditional racing competition, but an against the clock format still providing a competitive element.

All new members will receive a personalised set of racing equipment, including a race suit, boots, gloves, and protective undergarments. The package includes season entry fees, trackside, and customer support, full hospitality for drivers and a companion, including all-day refreshments, lunch, and a dinner with the Ferrari Challenge race series drivers.

Club Challenge UK offers 30 hours of track time across the season, but it will also entitle entrants to superb hospitality over the weekend for drivers and guests.

Full Season – What’s Included

Entry to all 5 rounds – 10 Days on Track

Trackside Support for all 5 Rounds – 30 Hours of Track Time

Ferrari Hospitality for Driver and a Guest for all 5 Rounds

Logistics for all 5 Rounds

Annual Vehicle Storage

Season Client Manager

Personalised Race Suit, Boots, Gloves and Underlayers

2024 Season Calendar

20th – 21st April – Brands Hatch

10th – 11th May – Oulton Park

8th – 9th June – Snetterton

20th – 21st July – Donington Park

14th – 15th September – Silverstone

Join an exclusive driving club and take to the track. You will be provided with all the guidance and support you need whether you are a complete novice or have experience on track. Our expert team and driver coaches will show you the way.

Entries are now open and can be secured via your Ferrari dealer or FF Corse. We have a selection of Ferrari 488 Challenge Evos for sale, all run and maintained by FF Corse from new.

Finali Mondiali Mugello Race Report

Wednesday – Ferrari Challenge Europe Round 7 Qualifying

In wet conditions, Tom secured double-pole in qualifying by setting the fastest and second-fastest times, meaning he would start from the front of the field for both Thursday’s and Friday’s races. James would start from 15th overall for both races, a solid qualifying result on the 37 car grid.

Thursday – Ferrari Challenge Europe Round 7 Race 1

Again, the Italian weather was not so kind on Thursday although the conditions suited Tom as he managed to get away at the front and open up a gap to second place within a few corners. Unfortunately, the wet weather also caused a few cars to spin; James was tangled up in an incident on the opening lap which prematurely ended his race due to damage. Tom rapidly extended his advantage but this was eradicated again with the appearance of the safety car. Tom made an excellent job of the restart and quickly opened up a gap to second place once again; with just 7 minutes remaining Tom had a 10 second advantage but the safety car was called out again, meaning that Tom’s hard work was undone once more. The safety car pulled in with just 1 lap remaining and it was ex Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil hot on his tail. After swapping paint for a few corners, Sutil managed to gain the advantage on track and Donno, who had been running in third, followed him through, dropping Tom down to 3rd place.Donno’s points haul was sufficient to seal the drivers’ championship for 2023 meaning Tom finished second overall – a fantastic achievement in his debut season!

Friday – Ferrari Challenge Europe Round 7 Race 2

Determined to put the disappointment of Thursday behind him, Tom once again started from the front of the grid for Friday’s race and pulled out a 7 second lead during the first half of the race. Unfortunately, it was to be his team mate, James, who would bring out the safety car with 13 minutes remaining, after spinning out and becoming beached in the gravel trap. Tom once again found his mirrors full of Adrian Sutil, but he kept calm under the immense pressure and nailed the restart. The race came a slightly bizarre premature end by being red-flagged on the final lap, due to debris on the track which turned out the be banner that had broken loose in the windy conditions. This sealed the win for Tom – a wonderful way to round off the season by standing on the top step of the podium!

Saturday – Finali Mondiali Qualifying and Superpole

Saturday’s Superpole qualifying consisted of two sessions, where the top six from the first session went through to the second session in a bid to set the fastest time. Tom topped the timesheets in the second session, putting him on pole for Sunday’s race. James also put in a sterling effort, qualifying 17th overall on the 37-car grid, and 8th in class.

Sunday – WORLD FINAL

The race got off to a dramatic start with Tom being sandwiched and squeezed down to third position going into the first corner, but he managed to get the switchback and regain the lead coming out of the corner. There were then three separate incidents further down the field, resulting in a total of five cars finding themselves in the gravel or the barriers. Thankfully James made it through unscathed. After a few laps behind the safety car, the red flag was brought out to allow the marshals time to repair the barriers. After 40 minutes in pitlane awaiting the restart, the cars returned to the track behind the safety car once more, and Tom once again managed the restart perfectly to maintain the lead. Unfortunately, shortly afterwards the safety car was called out yet again, meaning the pressure was on for Tom to produce yet another superlative restart, which he did successfully. Whilst all of this was going on, James was putting in a sensational drive to avoid all the chaos occurring around him and climb up to 9th place overall. Astonishingly, with just under 7 minutes remaining, the safety car was brought out for a fourth time. Following yet another perfect restart, Tom had to keep the field behind him for 2 nail-biting laps to the chequered flag. Tom and the team could finally breathe a massive sigh of relief when Tom took the chequered flag to emerge victorious and become Ferrari Challenge World Champion! James put in an incredibly impressive drive to maintain 9th place overall following the restarts, meaning he rounded off his season with a hard-fought 4th in class.

The FF Corse team are incredibly proud of what James and Tom have both achieved in their debut season in car racing, having obtained their race licenses just a matter weeks before the season started. James had no previous racing experience of any sort, and yet he has consistently managed to finish ahead of far more experienced drivers, giving him a really solid foundation to head into the 2024 season with. Tom had raced karts previously, but has quickly adapted to his 488 and shown the motorsport world that he means business.

In our only two appearances at the World Finals, FF Corse has emerged victorious on both occasions! Our previous triumph was in 2019 with Adam Carroll behind the wheel.

We would like to thank the sponsors, our team members and our extended FF Corse family for all their support, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year!

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2023 World Champions!

After a hard-fought and intense race, FF Corse won the Finali Mondiali in Mugello this weekend to become the 2023 Trofeo Pirelli Ferrari Challenge World Champion!

After securing SuperPole on Saturday, Tom Fleming held the lead throughout the race to clinch a resounding victory, despite multiple safety car restarts.

The FF Corse team are incredibly proud of Tom’s achievement, making it the second time in the last two attempts that an FF Corse driver has lifted the coveted title.

And so, that’s the 2023 Ferrari Challenge season over. What we have achieved this year with James Owen and Thomas Fleming is remarkable. A little over 12 months ago, neither even had their race licences and just 3 weeks before the first round of Ferrari Challenge they were eligible to race. We’ve been through Mazda MX5s, Radicals, Porsche Boxsters, been from Anglesey and Mallory Park to Spa Francorchamps and Le Mans.

Their respective journeys have been so impressive and we thank them for their support, guidance, trust and faith in the team. They have made us better and they have done us proud. Tom and James, you are part of your team and we’ve loved every minute. Thank you. And thank you to all their family, friends and sponsors for the continued support of them and the team throughout.

And also we thank every member of the FF Corse team that took us through the season from those back at base keeping it all running smoothly to those who have spent many late nights and early mornings, doing their absolute best for Tom and James. It’s been emotional. Let’s go again. Forza!

Come and join us in 2024 in the new 296 Challenge!

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Finali Mondiali at Mugello

24th – 29th October – Finali Mondiali

The Ferrari World Final is a spectacular event to close the season, featuring the final round of Challenge Europe. The World Finals sees the Challenge Championships from each continent come together for Finali Mondiali, a one off race, to see who will be crowned World Champion.

In Trofeo Pirelli, Tom Fleming is currently sitting in 2nd place in the PRO championship standings, just 19 points behind the leader. A fantastic performance in his rookie season of car racing, having made the switch from karts. James Owen, also displaying his natural talent in his rookie season of racing with no previous experience under his belt, is currently 4th in the PRO-AM class championship standings, just 10 points behind 3rd place.

The two races of the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Europe and North America will run on Thursday 26th and Friday 27th; Qualifying takes place on Saturday 28th, along with the new Superpole format to decide the starting grid for the Finali Mondiali, which will run on the morning of Sunday 29th, before the Ferrari Show.

Mugello once again hosts the big Ferrari event two years after the last Tuscan edition. Besides the 100 Ferrari 488 Challenge Evos entered in the racing competition, the programme includes the activities of the XX Programme, for cars not homologated for road use that are true technology laboratories, and F1 Clienti, which brings back on the track the single-seaters that competed in the World Championship with Scuderia Ferrari from the 1970s to the hybrid era. The two programmes include 57 and 19 cars, respectively, making 76 cars on the track, the highest number ever recorded for this event.

Thirty-nine production derivatives will feature in Club Competizioni GT, open to GT racing cars of the last thirty years, plus a model such as the 488 GT Modificata created specifically for this programme. All are due at Mugello in an event that also includes Club Challenge activities.

As usual, the Finali Mondiali Ferrari provides a unique opportunity to discover first-hand the latest additions to the road range, thanks to the static display of the Maranello manufacturer’s current models, and to celebrate success on the track.

After all, 2023 has already entered the history of the company founded in 1947 thanks to the overall wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Nürburgring with two cars, the Hypercar 499P – presented during the 2022 Finali Mondiali – and the 296 GT3, both of which will be on display in the paddock.