The secrets of Maranello

For any fan of Formula 1, Maranello it is a place of pilgrimage, a city that must be visited at least once in a lifetime because of the passion purified by ‘Great Circus’ on all sides. And of course, for the close living of the love of the very hospitable inhabitants of what they consider their family, Ferrari, the team from their hometown, their lives and their hearts.

Last week, before going to Italian GP at MonzaMD decided to make the two and a half hour drive to be in the special atmosphere of Emilia Romagna. There, a city with a human soul, Maranello, received this newspaper with open arms. Alone, we visited the most mythical place in town.

Factory

The first stop should be, the legendary Ferrari factory, an important point through which every visitor must pass. It is located on one of the main entrance streets, before reaching the central square.

The red flags of establishments around it and the Prancing Horse road signs warn visitors that they are about to arrive at a strange place. There they saw the mythical entrance of the red dream factory, where in 1947 (75 years ago) the first Ferrari, the 125-S, came out. That’s where the tour begins with the closest thing to a theme park.

The church warns of Ferrari’s successes

After the usual ‘selfie’, 50 meters away is the building where the entire F1 team, Gestione Sportiva, has moved since 2015. At its door there is always an Italian flag, accompanied by several flags with ‘Cavallino Rampante’ which is always equal to the number of wins that Ferrari has had throughout the year. And if it happens to be Sunday, another thing can warn of the victories of those from home: the church bell. Its bells always warn of red hits.

The church is located another 50 meters from the artificial walls of the factory, in front of a square with a remarkable statue. No thinker, politician or artist. The statue is a large ‘Cavallino Rampante’, marking the center of the population that did not hesitate to invite MD to experience the Sunday race where many of its neighbors usually see it: in the town auditorium. It will be another time, because this time we have to go back to Monza for the Italian GP.

Manage Sports

We return to Gestione Sportiva, the stronghold of the F1 team. This is the place where all the secrets of Ferrari are hidden, thought out to the smallest detail so that communication between departments is continuous and fast as possible.

In that area, engineers and mechanics spend their days making F1 parts and their drivers work on a state-of-the-art simulator, released in 2021, which replaces a simulator closest to a spaceship , with pilots uploaded. he is 4 meters tall. Now, with a multi-million dollar structure, they simulate any race situation.

Everything is thought of down to the smallest detail, which is why Gestione Sportiva is located right next to the mythical Fiorano track, which inside has a building dedicated to its star clients, keeping the F1 cars that the millionaires in their property, as well. like a spectacular wind tunnel.

The Fiorano Circuit

Visitors may go to the Circuit gate, but they will see nothing there. To do this, in case there is a private F1 test from previous years or a street car, they must talk to one of its inhabitants. One of them accompanies us by bike to one of its magical corners, the entrance bridge in Maranello. From there you can see a large part of the track with privileged views and free.

The next stop is its streets, full of Ferrari street driving experiences, souvenir shops, ‘merchandising’ and collector’s items. Next to the factory is the Maranello Collection, a museum-like store. His regent was clear: “Let the Spaniards come. Even just watch. There is history here.” Pure hospitality.

The Museum and Ristorante Montana

Another important point is the Enzo Ferrari Museum, which regularly changes its exhibition except for a magical room, the ‘Sala de las Victorias’, where the company’s trophies, the helmets of all the world champions and the crown jewels: all the world champion cars of Ferrari drivers and constructors.

The Ristorante Montana

If there is time, it is advisable to visit the monument in honor of Gilles Villeneuve, at the foot of a street in the middle of the estate. And of course, the mythical Ristorante Montana, impossible without a reservation because it’s always full, even in winter. This is the house where Ferrari’s most legendary drivers ate and stayed when they were free to test in F1.

There, ‘Mamma Rosella’, a nickname given to her by Michael Schumacher, continues to cook the ‘Tagliatelle al ragu’ so loved by the ‘Kaiser’, served in a room full of unique pieces from history of Ferrari.

But first, you shouldn’t leave Maranello without talking to its people. If you leave early, it is advisable to go to the central cafeteria of the town and talk to its inhabitants, 80% of whom live directly or indirectly from what Ferrari does. They best explain what Ferrari means to a whole town and to the whole of Italy. You don’t have to understand him, just enjoy his passion and love for some colors.