There are surprises, and then there are surprises. Recently, my husband managed to pull off something that left me utterly speechless and overflowing with excitement – a surprise trip to attend the Ferrari World Finals (Finali Mondiali) at the legendary Imola track in October, complete with paddock tickets! Here’s a little look into the unforgettable experience he arranged and why it felt like a dream come true.
The Build-Up to the Surprise
I had no idea my husband was even planning something, let alone a trip for a hospitality Ferrari event.
A few weeks before, he asked me to block out the day to go out, and I assumed with the kids. On the day, I was instructed to dress comfortably and we left Parma at 9am for the 1.5 hour drive to Imola.
As we arrived, he handed me a wrist tag and a pass . As I read the words “Ferrari Mondiali at Imola,” my heart skipped a beat. Not only did he plan a trip, but he had also secured paddock tickets! This meant we’d be experiencing Ferrari racing up close, right in the heart of the legendary Imola circuit. For anyone who loves racing or Ferrari, this was the ultimate dream.
The Ferrari World Finals at Imola
The Finali Mondiali is the grand conclusion to the Ferrari racing season, a festival dedicated to Ferrari fans worldwide. From races featuring the Ferrari Challenge series to jaw-dropping demonstrations of Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars, it’s the ultimate celebration of speed and style.
On the morning of 19 October, as we arrived at Imola’s Autodromo Enzo e Dino Ferrari, I was overwhelmed by the buzz of excitement around us.
Entrance to Imola
As you approach the paddock entry gates to Ferrari’s Finali Mondiali event, lined with 296 GTBs, it’s immediately clear that this event is all about the experience.
The sight of Ferrari flags, the hum of engines, and the crowd filled with people from all over the world united by their love for Ferrari– it was genuinely exhilarating.
Despite the dreary weather, I was pleased to see it bustling with fans who braved it to witness a legendary spectacle.
Paddock Access: A VIP Experience
With paddock tickets, we had the privilege of getting up close to the action. This access allowed us to see the cars, drivers, and teams up close. As I walked through the paddock area, I was struck by the level of detail and precision that goes into each Ferrari vehicle. Engineers and pit crew members moved with an effortless rhythm, showcasing the dedication it takes to bring these cars to life on the track.
We even had a chance to glimpse some of Ferrari’s current and former drivers as they interacted with fans. Being in the paddock, and visiting the boxes also meant we could hear every rev of the engines, the power vibrating through us as each car prepared for its moment on the track. And the sound? Pure symphony to the ears of any car enthusiast.
The Races and Demonstrations:
The races themselves were beyond thrilling. We watched the qualifying, with the Ferrari Challenge series cars speeding by, knowing we were at Imola – a track with a history as rich and storied as Ferrari itself – was breath-taking. Each lap, each turn, and each acceleration was a testament to Ferrari’s passion for performance. Seeing those finely tuned F1 machines fly down the straights, taking on Imola’s demanding corners, was pure magic.
Another highlight and star of the show was the Ferrari F80 at €3.6 million; it’s said to be the most advanced, fastest, and most powerful of the collection.
We also had the chance to see the Le Mans 24 Hours cars that won in the past two years and even met Andrea Bertolini, the driver who has won the World GT Car Championship four times.
The Paddock Area
Returning to the main paddock area, we enjoyed the showcases of Ferrari models in the exhibition, the perfect place to end the tour and take shelter from the rain. It’s a beautifully presented temporary museum displaying significant Ferrari race cars, from classic cars that are pieces of history to the latest models that push the limits of modern engineering. Every moment was an immersion in Ferrari’s world, filled with adrenaline, beauty, and elegance.
By the afternoon, the rain was torrential, and the race was paused for a while, but this didn’t spoil the atmosphere as we moved to the hospitality box for food and drinks and comfortably watched the F1 race in America while waiting for the track to reopen.
For others, the event offered gourmet food stalls serving authentic Italian treats, live entertainment, and the camaraderie of fellow fans. Every detail of the day added to the vibrant, festive atmosphere. It felt as though we were part of a giant family, sharing a deep appreciation for Ferrari and Italy’s contribution to the world of motorsport.
Looking back, this surprise trip to the Ferrari World Finals at Imola will forever be one of my cherished memories. It was a day filled with excitement, laughter, and pure joy, all thanks to my husband’s thoughtful planning. The thrill of seeing Ferrari cars in action on one of the world’s most iconic tracks is something I’ll never forget. And, more than that, now that I’ve experienced it, I am hooked and I cannot wait to visit it again with my two children or other Events.
For anyone considering attending the Finali Mondiali or simply looking to surprise a loved one with an experience they’ll never forget, I can’t recommend it enough. It’s not just about the cars or the races; it’s about passion, tradition, and the magic that Ferrari brings to life.
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