DIY MARANELLO

There’s no place on earth like Maranello for car lovers. Here’s how to do it properly

Go to Maranello Every enthusiast should at least once No other town in the world has a more symbiotic relationship with the car brand that calls it home There’s more to Maranello than Ferrari

don’t leave without a bottle of the local balsamic vinegar but this place will leave an indelible impression on you Mostly in a good way Here’s how to do it

GETTING THERE

Fly to Bologna, rent a Panda, wonder what all the fuss is about as you drive through the flat, industrialised Po valley plain.

STAY

Hotels are a slight weak point. We usually stay at the Maranello Palace (not very palatial) which overlooks the factory car park and (if you crane your neck) the F1 team’s wind tunnel. If you can, stay at the Hotel Maranello – it’s well placed between town centre and the famous entrance gates.

EAT

No weakness here, you can eat like a king in Maranello. Two places have indelible Ferrari association. The Cavallino directly opposite the main entrance is owned by Ferrari, but the most celebrated restaurant is the Montana. ] It’s on the outskirts by the Fiorano test track, but atmospheric and packed full of memorabilia. Mama Rosella will make sure you don’t walk away hungry.

WALK

Walk along Via Alfredo Dino Ferrari. It’s the road that leads to the Fiorano test track.

] Go there, take a pic at the gate, but you won’t get any further. Retrace your steps to the museum. It’s probably not as big as you were hoping but has some cool exhibitions. Hang around outside the factory gates. ] Stuff will go in and out.

DRIVE

Do this first thing in the morning when the air is crisp and cool. It’s bananas expensive, but gives you a better flavour of the cars and the place than anything else. All around the museum are places offering cars to rent: Test Drive, Push Start, Motorsport Maranello, Pit Lane Red Passion. Ignore the newest stuff, get a convertible with a nat-asp V8. A 458 Spider is perfect. You’ll need two hours. It’s gonna cost over €1,000.

Sodding ridiculous. Now head for Ponte Samone on the SP26.

] You’ll recognise most of the hairpins from TG shoots over the years. Stop and listen out for other Ferraris. If you’re lucky you’ll encounter a factory test driver out doing shakedowns.

OTHER STUFF TO DO...

Eat gelato, drink espresso, giggle at how much of a rip-off the official Ferrari Store is. Here’s a top tip though: if you’re there on a race day the Enzo Ferrari auditorium in town centre gives free entrance to watch the Grand Prix.