Ferrari 458 Italia Experience at Thruxton Racing Circuit Review

Ferrari 458 Italia Experience
Thruxton Racing Circuit

www.thruxtonracing.co.uk

Reviewed by Ross May

We sent a reviewer along to Thruxton to have a go in a Ferrari 458 Italia, the latest model from Ferrari – you will not find this car with any other driving experience company!

If you are a lover of cars and driving at mind blowing speeds, then Thruxton Race Circuit is undeniably the best circuit in the UK to visit. The 2.4 mile circuit is the fastest in the UK and is home to the Touring Car Championships, the British Superbike Championships, and famous British Racing Driver and Fifth Gear TV presenter Tiff Needell.

Thruxton race circuit is conveniently located less than 1 mile from the A303 so it is very easy to find. A stunning location, it is surrounded by the rolling countryside of Hampshire. On the day of my experience the weather had taken a turn for the worst but heavy rain was not going to dampen the day and I was really pleased that the experience was not cancelled. There are good parking facilities at Thruxton and everything is clearly sign posted to ensure you are heading to the right place.

On arrival I was asked to sign my life away and then handed a Driver Analysis Card (DAC) which I was told is used throughout the experience to record your achievement and abilities in order to provide you with a final appraisal of your driving skills. There were a number of other drivers also waiting for their experience day, so as a group we were directed to another building for a safety briefing. This took around 25 minutes in total although it seemed a lot quicker. The briefing was extremely useful as it provided a thorough walk through of the circuit and advice on how best to tackle the corners. You are advised to drive sensibly to get the most out of the experience, which is very good advice in a super car on a very wet track! This briefing time was also used to sell some of the other experiences available that day to the guests and spectators everyone had brought along. But I think most were more interested in hearing the best viewing areas and where they could go for a hot drink out of the rain.

Once the formalities were out of the way we were escorted to a parking area dominated by Porsche Caymen’s and allocated instructors. All of the Porches are numbered which makes it easier for spectators to pick you out whilst you are driving the circuit. All of the instructors are experienced drivers and indeed make their living driving around the globe, so they are full of knowledge and stories if you care to ask. The first stage of the experience is to ride passenger to the instructor in the Porsche to receive some valuable tuition around the course. This was a total of two laps and then it was my turn to jump into the driver’s seat. For the next 3 laps my every move was being scrutinised for the aforementioned DAC. The instructor was both advising me and scoring me on; my approach to driving, my steering ability, gear changes, driving lines, braking and pace. Each corner was also allocated a score based on how well I; turned in, used the apex and performed through the exit. I achieved a score off 77%. The instructor commented: “a very good, steady and quick drive. Make sure you use all the available track – getting quicker every lap”.

Next up was the Ferrari but I had a 30 minute wait before I would hit the track. This gave me time for quick refreshments, and a chance to walk the pits where all of the supercars are parked up including; a Lamborghini Gallardo, a Ferrari 430 and an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. Thank fully there are plenty of buildings to head to during this time because the rain was really coming down hard. I had brought along my partner who was soaked through thanks to her heroic efforts to get some good footage of me driving. On a nicer day an elevated platform adjacent to the pits provides a great vantage point for spectators, whilst it is only a short walk to the stands positioned ideally to watch the cars wrestle with one of the more challenging corners and the perfect place to see Tiff Needell demonstrate his skills in his BMW if he is on track.

The Ferrari 458 Italia really is one of the best looking cars ever made in my opinion. I couldn’t wait to get behind the wheel. It is difficult to describe the feeling I felt as I got into the car. I was in complete awe and at the same time eager to get going. The moment my foot touched the accelerator the Ferrari roared into action. The 0-60mph time of the Ferrari 458 is a mind blowing 3.4 seconds, and in every gear it delivers acceleration like I have never felt before. It is truly a marvel to behold.

Taking the Ferrari around the track was a real treat. Experiencing not only the power but also the sheer brilliance and ingenuity of the controls really made me appreciate the mechanical genius behind the car. In short, it was awesome! Pushing the car as far I could within reason on such a wet day I was still able to reach unbelievable speeds, and with each corner I became more and more confident and trusting of the Ferrari’s abilities. On a drier day, I can only imagine the sort of speeds that could be achieved.  As with all good things my time in the Ferrari had to come to an end. Pulling into the pits I felt an instant pang of longing for more. There is no feeling I can compare with how I felt behind the wheel of that amazing car, I did not want to say goodbye so soon – no doubt I will be returning again.

Feeling a strange combination of exhilarated and sad I made my way to the media centre to collect my certificate of achievement and the professional photo taken by Thruxton on circuit cameras for a memento. My final instructor verdict on the DAC for the 458 Italia drive: 90% “Top drive. Excellent lines and very smooth pace”. It seems my time in the Porsche Cayman was well spent.

There are plenty of experience days available at Thruxton with a huge range of cars to choose from. There is something for everyone whether you want to drive or just enjoy a wild ride an experienced pro such as Tiff Needell can take you on. I highly recommend the venue, and of course massively credit the Ferrari 548 Italia experience for giving me such an incredible day.

Rating: 5/5 

Info:

Price: £325
2.5 Hours Experience
9 laps of the 2.4mile Thruxton Race Circuit (fastest track in Britain)
Drive the amazing Ferrari 458 Italia
Expert tuition from ARDS race instructors
Learn the circuit in a Porsche Cayman

FERRARI 458 SPIDER
The Ferrari 458 Spider is the latest model from Ferrari and is a technical marvel. The mid-engine V8 produces an astonishing 462bhp and 398 lb/ft of torque. Put simply this means it accelerates very quickly and has a top speed of over 200mph! The 458 also has Ferrari’s latest dual clutch system which is simply brilliant.

For more information visit www.thruxtonracing.co.uk or call 01264 882 222

Thruxton Motorsport Centre. Thruxton Circuit, Andover, Hampshire SP11 8PW

For your chance to win a Super Car Driving Experience worth £325 at Thruxton Racing Circuit enter our competition here. Closes 30/6/14.