Ferrari's new testing ground could spell the end of a beloved spectacle in Maranello

Ferrari’s new test track

Ferrari has opened a second test track near its factory in Maranello. Known as the E-Vortex, the track features paved sections and special surfaces for testing ride comfort. It sits next to the 54-year-old Fiorano circuit, which continues to operate.

Fewer prototypes on the road

It used to be common to see prototype cars on the road in Ferrari’s hometown of Maranello. But now that the Italian manufacturer has completed construction of a new test track right across from its iconic headquarters, such encounters could become rare.

Fast Construction and Features

The new E-Vortex track was built in just four months on a small 44,670-square-yard plot of land, which is behind a fence from the existing Pista di Fiorano, which Ferrari created on former farmland in the early 1970s.

While Fiorano is great for high-speed dynamic testing, it doesn’t have the variety of surfaces that other brands have, and it’s often congested. The new track gives the company’s test drivers more room to work on a closed track and allows them to replicate a variety of conditions.

More than just corners and straights

The E-Vortex is 1.17 miles long, while the Fiorano is 1.89 miles long. The new track is divided into distinct zones: paved curves at both ends, a longitudinal slope, a central straight and several inside corners to test dynamic behavior. In addition, there are special road surfaces to test parameters such as noise, vibration, stiffness, durability and ride comfort.



Amenities for efficient work

Also located on the track is a 1,200-square-yard workshop, which allows certain inspections and work to be carried out on site, without having to waste time returning to the main factory.

Speeding up development

Ferrari plans to gradually move testing from public roads to the track, allowing engineers to more objectively assess the cars’ behavior and do so more quickly. With some test routes taking an hour to reach, the new track could speed up the development of the brand’s new sports cars and future electric vehicles.

Impact on the city

The company also notes that the new track will help reduce traffic in the city, which could be beneficial for local residents but will be a disadvantage for the thousands of fans who come to Maranello every year in the hope of seeing Ferrari prototypes in action.

Ferrari’s move reflects the growing demands on vehicle testing, especially with future electric models requiring different conditions to test their performance. Using modern tracks like the E-Vortex allows the company to remain competitive in the market while ensuring the safety and comfort of local residents.