Ferrari at the Sydney Opera

Ferrari Racing Days has come down under for an amazing racing extravaganza. For the first time in Australia, fans were able to see the Ferrari 458 Asia Pacific Challenge series and experience the thrill of the official Ferrari F1 show.

It was the largest gathering of Ferrari cars with the latest models displayed together with classic Ferrari's that have helped create the history of the Prancing Horse. The impressive range of vehicles included: a 250GT Europa, 250GT PF, Coupe, 250GTL, 275GTB, 330GTC, 330GT, 365GTB, 365GTC, 365BB, 246GT and the most impressive jewel in the crown a 166MM. The spectacular Ferrari 166MM, which is privately owned was imported into Australian from New Zealand specifically for the Ferrari Racing Days. Considered to be one of the greatest Ferrari’s of all time, the 166MM is one of the most beautiful and rare cars that was on display.

I was privileged enough to get an invite to the opening act which was the official ‘Welcome Party’ on Friday the 11^th of April at the Sydney Opera House. A wet day turned into a wonderful early evening as a friend and I made our way down to Circular Quay.

A spectacular cruise ship the Celebrity Solstice was just leaving. 

As we walked towards the front of the Opera house, there was the unmistakable red of the Ferrari Marquee. 

It was fortunate that we were early, as we managed to get a few pictures of the layout and preparations.

The new Ferrari Formula 1 car did not get all the attention.

We also managed to get a few pictures of the Hublot novelties just before the 300 or more guests arrived for a night of racing passion, great food and a never-ending flow of Veuve Clicquot.

But the star of the show was an exclusive prototype of the Hublot Masterpiece MP-05 La Ferrari.

To say that this watch is a technical marvel is an understatement as only by seeing it in the flesh can one appreciate the intricate and often astounding finer details and its surprising wearability.

I knew that the ultimate destiny for this piece was the Hublot Factory but this didn’t stop me from trying to negotiate a time share arrangement with little success. The consolation was that at least I was one of the very few who were lucky enough to try this watch.

Back to the festivities. Mr George Souris, Minister for Tourism welcomed the guests and officially opened the first Ferrari Racing Days in Australia. The night was attended by Herbert Appleroth, CEO Ferrari Australasia and a considerable number of foreign guests which was a great way to meet new friends.

Hublot donated a clock signed by Ferrari driver Kimi Räikkönen, to raise funds towards a specialised Youth Cancer centre at Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick to provide support to 16-25 years olds with cancer.

This event was another testament of the successful ongoing relationship being forged between Hublot and Ferrari. My friend and I certainly enjoyed ourselves and we both commented that this was one of the best events that we have attended so far this year if not over the last few years.