Ferrari at the BILSTER BERG
In the context of organised racetrack events, the BILSTER BERG provides car manufacturers with ideal conditions to present their brand on the racetrack as effectively and impressively as possible. During one such customer event, we had the opportunity to ask Arthur Lécluse, Marketing Manager at Ferrari Central/East Europe GmbH.
There are numerous racetracks all over Europe and in Germany on which customer events can be held. Why did Ferrari choose the BILSTER BERG?
Ferrari also organises other events at other racetracks in Germany. However, these are large-scale events, such as the Ferrari Days, where up to 100 vehicles participate. However, for events that are smaller and more exclusive, the BILSTER BERG is always our first choice. We really like the fact that the entire facility has a rather private atmosphere and that we can hold our events here completely undisturbed. Among other things, we also want to provide new excitement for our participants on the BILSTER BERG. Because many of them have already raced a zillion times on other German racetracks.
What driving skills does a Ferrari driver need to have in order to take part in a racetrack event at the BILSTER BERG, or is a normal driving licence sufficient?
Our previous events were basically suitable for drivers of all levels. Race track newcomers in particular got their money’s worth and learned a lot of new things due to the extraordinary topography.
What exactly can drivers learn as participants in such a Driving Experience on the BILSTER BERG?
On the first two days, Ferrari dealers invited customers to test the model 488 GTB as well as the open-top 488 Spider. On the following two days, Ferrari customers were given the opportunity to hit the track with their own cars. These were basically two back-to-back events, each with an instructor-led training session to get to know the cars and track better. For this purpose, the participants first went to the dynamic area, which offered the perfect preparation for the topography of the track with its three levels. Afterwards, all participants were able to take part in the free practice session. During the instructor-led training on the track, the participants learned driving and braking techniques and precisely memorised the ideal line in order to safely drive the Ferraris on the challenging BILSTER BERG. For the free driving, the participants were divided into two groups, depending on their level of skill – namely a “Rookie” group, for beginners and track novices, and a “Performance” group, for drivers with track experience. Here, our participants could experience what their Ferrari could do on the BILSTER BERG.
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Are there any experienced instructors on the BILSTER BERG?
Definitely. We had three instructors on site on each of the four days, with whom I have been working for about seven years. These people know the track and the procedure of our driving events on the BILSTER BERG very well.
Can you say how many Ferrari drivers sometimes take their road-legal sports car to a race track?
Around 60-70% of all Ferrari buyers take their car to the racetrack. That doesn’t mean that 70% of our buyers are passionate hobby racers, but still, according to their own statements, many want to drive around a racetrack with their Ferrari.
Can you tell us what makes the BILSTER BERG such a unique event location?
I don’t know of any other race track that would offer such an exclusive environment for our customer events. The clubhouse is perfect for us as an event location and fits our style perfectly. In addition, the service and the entire team at the BILSTER BERG are fantastic. We are already in our third year at the BILSTER BERG and I love coming here again and again.
(Editor: ramp.space Photo: Kim Metzger)