Ferrari meets Lamborghini

The Ferrari Owners Club of Andalucia visit Ascari

On most Sundays in Marbella, the Official Ferrari Owners Club of Andalucia meets to enjoy a run into the country a pleasant lunch at a quiet restaurant or finca retreat. This day however the Ferrari clan were invited to sample the taste of another Italian marque - the New Lamborghini Gallardo on the circuit at the Ascari Race Resort. Photography www.GaryEdwards.es

 

The grid lined up after breakfast at its usual meeting point outside Toni Dalli's Restaurant on the Golden Mile in Marbella. Around 20 highly polished and highly tuned Ferraris gathered before snaking their way up the infamous Ronda Road, inland towards the Ascari Race Resort, headed by the President of the F.O.C.A.,Toni Dalli himself. Thunder clouds loomed overhead but spirits were not dampened as today the Ferrari oficianados were to be allowed into the competitors camp and given the chance of trying out the much talked about new Lamborghini Gallardo LP560-4. 

 

1.Carlo Mason (Blue Sky Super Car Hire) admires the New Lamborghini Gallardo
2. F1 Style tyre change
3. Nicky Dalli and Gaston Robben (Lamborghini Marbella)
4. The marque Lamborghini

Pit Stop

The roar of V12s filled the mountain air as just before Ronda the convoy of super cars pulled into the car park of a venta for the prearranged obligatory Ferrari lunch. As the drivers tucked into lamb chops and plates of jamon serrano a worrying story started too filter around the dining room... The six test cars being tested by clients of the Marbella Lamborghini Concessionary at Ascari had already broken down and were being sent back home for repair. The rumour turned out to be a Ferrari joke and was not the case at all, but made a few smiles... After coffee and a mountain of Ferrari tales and anecdotes it was time to rev up and get down to business - Ferrari vrs. Lamborghini.

Ascari

The Ascari Race Resort is the brain child of Klass Zwart who is also responsible for the famous A-10 Ascari car which the BBC Top Gear team have so much praise for. Jeremy Clarkson said that the car, which reaches 100kph in 2.8 seconds, was 'savage to the point of scary'. Designed to be a racers paradise, the circuit itself is equal thrilling, boasting 26 demanding curves, 13 left and 13 right and is five and a half kilometres of heaven. The bends are modelled on the best parts, from the best circuits, around the world and it winds through a stretch of stunning Ronda countryside.

The paddock area of the circuit was full of the deafening noise of Lamborghini engines, the smell of oil and burnt rubber and the hum of petrol-heads chatting. The Lambo team flown in from Italy especially for testing were kept busy by giving driving briefings, issuing driving passes and giving out Lambo Caps. The team were organised and the flow of hot drinks and snacks was more than welcome on the chilly Sunday afternoon.

5. Pit Lane at Ascari Race Resort
6. Carlo with Marbella Ferrari Club President, Toni Dalli
7. Gaston, Monique Inwards and Enrique (Lamborghini Marbella)
8. Alan and Robert

Performance

As the drivers came in from taking their turns in test cars, it seemed quite apparent the 4 wheel drive in the Gallardo is quite a welcome feature. Through out the afternoon a light drizzle had dampened the tarmac and had caused a few to ease off on the 512 horse powered V10. With six speed transmission and 5 litre motor, 0-100 kph is achieved in less than 4 seconds and 0-200 in only 11.8 seconds. With a top speed of 325kph, although some Ferrari owners may not openly admit it, most would agree this truly is a machine to admire and respect and is right up there with the top in its class. 

Photography by www.GaryEdwards.es

9. Young Super Car admirer with his mum and FCA Secretary, Patricia
10. Ferrari Club members
11. Chris Peralta climes into the Gallardo for a drive
12. The hard working Lamborghini team

 

 

www.lamborghini.com
www.ascari.net
www.ferrariownersclubandalucia.com