Pista di Fiorano – Ferrari’s private test track

Ferrari is one of the few car manufacturers with its own test track, where the brand not only tests its cars but also allows clients and journalists to take a spin. The Fiorano Circuit, also known as Pista di Fiorano, is located right in Ferrari’s backyard, just a few hundred meters from the entrance to the Ferrari factory in Maranello. The Scuderia Ferrari building, where the brand’s motorsport and Formula 1 divisions are based, is situated directly next to the circuit, with its own entrance, allowing Formula 1 and Le Mans cars to drive straight from the garage onto the track.

Curious about what you can see at the Fiorano Circuit? Wondering where it’s located in Maranello and the best spots to view Ferrari’s unique test track? In this article, we’ll tell you everything about Ferrari’s iconic test circuit in Maranello.

Fiorano, the test track for Ferrari

The circuit was inaugurated in 1972, and since then, countless Ferraris have been developed here, ranging from street cars to Formula 1 race cars. While unlimited testing is no longer allowed in Formula 1, the sound of a Formula 1 car testing at full speed used to regularly echo through Maranello. Michael Schumacher, for example, clocked tens of thousands of test kilometers on the Fiorano Circuit to make Ferrari’s Formula 1 cars the best of all.

Ferrari primarily uses Fiorano for testing their Formula 1 cars and race vehicles. Due to current regulations limiting official F1 testing, the track is mainly used for shakedowns and promotional runs. For instance, Lewis Hamilton took his first laps in a Ferrari F1 car at Fiorano, an event that garnered worldwide attention. Similarly, the ride of Carlos Sainz and his father, Carlos Sainz Sr., also made headlines when the two drove older Formula 1 cars on the circuit as part of Carlos Jr.’s farewell from Ferrari.

In the past, however, the Fiorano Circuit was crucial for the development of Ferrari’s F1 cars, with legends like Michael Schumacher and Niki Lauda covering countless kilometers there. In addition to Formula 1 testing, Fiorano is also intensively used for the development of Ferrari’s road cars. Models like the LaFerrari, F8 Tributo, Ferrari 812 Competizione, and SF90 XX have all been extensively tested here to perfect their performance, aerodynamics, and handling.

Over the years, Fiorano has produced some impressive lap times. Notably, Michael Schumacher set the fastest time ever recorded on the track, completing a lap in just 55.99 seconds behind the wheel of the F2004 Formula 1 car. The fastest lap time for a road car was set by the Ferrari F80, with a time of 1:15.3, which is only 2 seconds slower than the Ferrari SF90 XX.

Visit the Fiorano test track in Maranello

The Fiorano Circuit in Maranello, unfortunately, isn’t open to the public like many other tracks. It’s an exclusive testing facility, with access granted only through special Ferrari events or as part of Ferrari’s client programs, such as the Corse Clienti and XX Programmes.

However, visitors to the Ferrari Museum in Maranello can catch a glimpse of the circuit during a panoramic bus tour that passes by a section of the track. More information about this can be found on the page of the Ferrari Museum. It is also possible to view parts of the circuit from the public road.

Best place to spot Ferrari’s on the Fiorano circuit

Today, the chances of spotting a Formula 1 car on Fiorano have become much smaller, but the likelihood of seeing a Ferrari on the track is still very much present. The circuit is frequently used to test the latest Ferrari models, both for the development of new cars and for journalists or clients. If you’re lucky, you might even witness an older Formula 1 car from the Corse Clienti program, a Le Mans car, or a vehicle from the XX Program racing at full speed around the track.

Want to see Ferraris at the Fiorano circuit? Unfortunately, much of the track is well shielded from view, making spotting a car more challenging. Especially the section of the circuit adjacent to the surrounding houses is covered with large sections of fencing, making it harder to see what’s happening on the track. Luckily, there are gaps in the fence at several locations where you can catch a glimpse. Notably, at the end of Via Goito and Via Marsala, you can view parts of the track through these gaps. Additionally, from the viaduct on the SP3, you have a broad view of a large section of the circuit. You can park your car next to the viaduct and then walk to it. There is a walking path along the viaduct, protected by a concrete edge and metal guardrail, ensuring a safe walk.

You can also stand at the entrance to the circuit. Ferraris frequently drive in and out here, heading for a lap on the track. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a camouflaged Ferrari model that hasn’t been officially revealed yet.

Copyright image: Ferrari

History of the Fiorano Circuit

The Fiorano Circuit was built in 1972 and originally measured 8.4 meters in width and 3,000 meters in length. In 1992, the track was expanded with a chicane, bringing the total length to 3,021 meters. In 1996, the aging circuit underwent a major renovation, with several corners being altered, reducing the total length by just under 24 meters.

The circuit features a mix of different types of corners, including fast sweepers, sharp hairpin turns, and long straights. This variety allows Ferrari to simulate different sections of well-known Formula 1 tracks. Additionally, the track is equipped with numerous sensors and various types of asphalt, allowing the testing of tires. The circuit also has an advanced telemetry system that enables engineers to collect and analyze data during test programs.

In the middle of the track stands the old house of Enzo Ferrari, the founder of the famous brand with the prancing horse. Enzo often sat in the garden, listening to the Formula 1 cars as they tested on the circuit. It is said that Enzo had the track built close to the factory so he could enjoy the sound of his cars without being bothered by the press or other Formula 1 teams’ cars.

In February 2006, Ferrari paid tribute to their own circuit by naming the Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano, the successor to the Ferrari 575 Maranello, after the track.

Where is the Fiorano Circuit located?

The Fiorano Circuit is located on the outskirts of Maranello, about 15 kilometers south of Modena, right next to the Ferrari factory. The entrance to the circuit is on Via Gilles Villeneuve, just a few hundred meters from the official Ferrari Museum.