All it takes to master the 1.85-mile circuit in the Italia is two light palms, one steady foot, and a strict diet of Muslix and fresh fruit.

Ferrari’s storied Fiorano test track in Maranello, Italy, is a special place. It’s even more so when we get to experience it in the 2010 Ferrari 458 Italia, the company’s latest sports car. Today, Ferrari test driver Raffaele De Simone is making Fiorano look easy.

After three laps, much of which are sideways, De Simone climbs out and beckons us to the driver’s seat, then walks away.

We’re on our own, even though about five years ago, a certain Car and Driver personality introduced a new Ferrari to a wall on a similar day not far from this very spot. Don’t these people learn?

http://www.theautoabc.com/ provides the latest Ferrari reviews and pictures.

Another chapter can be added to the story around the 612 Scaglietti successor. The test mule was again spotted, but still nothing is really known about this perticular model driving around near Modena.

You will definitely spot the bulge on the hood, but what it exactly holds is unknown. The rumours suggest this model is due for 2012 and is in the early phase of testing. However, previous stories suggest Ferrari is developing a hybrid system or even a new V12 engine with a twin turbo setup.

http://www.theautoabc.com/ provides the latest Ferrari reviews and pictures.

Ferrari has plans to open the “world’s largest indoor theme park, sitting under a roof designed in the style of a classic double-curve body shell of a Ferrari,” in 2010.

Links to information are here, to video are here and photos are here.

Details are pretty scant. Here’s the key description: “With over 20 rides and attractions, including the world’s fastest rollercoaster, Ferrari World is more than a theme park – it is the total Ferrari experience.”

Some additional information is available here, as well, although it amounts to about the same information repackaged.

Why bring it up? Well, the timing now may be a little less perfect than when Ferrari started building the park. But maybe by the time it really opens (I’m guessing 2010 is a pipe dream), the economy will be back in full swing.

What do people think? Does it seem a smart piece of marketing and branding or might it go the way of Euro Disney? Is it just plain stupid or do you have a new “Must See” item on your travel list?

www.theautoabc.com provides the latest Ferrari reviews and pictures.

A RARE Ferrari has set a world record for the most expensive car sold at auction, with an anonymous buyer ignoring the global recession by paying €9.02 million ($A16.2 million) for a 1957 250 Testa Rossa.

This beats the previous world record – set at the same event at Ferrari’s Maranello factory a year ago – of €7.04m ($A12.4m) for a 1961 California paid by celebrity DJ Chris Evans.

The new auction record was posted on Sunday at the third annual factory-sanctioned Ferrari Leggenda e Passione event held by RM Auctions, which would not reveal the identity of the winning phone bidder.

http://www.theautoabc.com/ provides the latest Ferrari reviews and pictures.

2010 Ferrari 458 Italia

www.theautoabc.com provides the latest Ferrari reviews and pictures.

Ferrari has created a new ‘technological laboratory’ for a select group of 599 enthusiasts, called the 599XX.

The 599XX incorporates the most advanced technologies resulting from Ferrari’s road-going and F1 research. Many of the technological solutions it carries are being used for the first time and have been developed exclusively for this special car.

A limited number of places and cars will be available, with the vehicles only used at private track sessions, worldwide.

www.theautoabc.com provides the latest Ferrari reviews and pictures.