Vallelunga (Rome), 7 October

Today at the Pietro Taruffi circuit at Vallelunga, the penultimate round of the Italian Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli got underway with a two hour test session, which gave the drivers the chance to try out their cars on the circuit, prior to the competitive part of the weekend. Over twenty cars took part with the fastest time set by Matteo Malucelli in 1.38.924. The Motor/Malucelli driver, who won the Italian title in 2004 had already dominated the previous round at Mugello, set the fastest time at the end of the session. Next up was the reigning champion and current series leader, Stefano Gai (Rossocorsa) in 1.39.661, followed by Lorenzo Bontempelli (Kessel Racing) third in 1.39.734, clearly determined to close the gap to Gai in the championship battle.

Of the Coppa Shell runners, Andrii Kruglyk (Rossocorsa) set the pace in 1.40.778, while of those running the F430, fastest was Giovanni Cappelletti in the Rossocorsa/Pellin car in a time of 1.46.176.

Tomorrow is given over to free practice and qualifying to decide the grids for the two races which take place on Sunday at 9.25 and 14.25.