Visiting the Ferrari Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park
- A free event in Sydney to see Ferrari sports cars on track and on display.
- Different racing classes on track during the day as well as static displays.
- Rare Ferrari’s on display like an F40, F50 and Daytona SP3.
- Small crowds and limited number of tickets available.
- Pit area access.
I have never been to the Ferrari Festival in Sydney before so I wasn’t sure what to expect. I was fortunate to secure one of the limited free tickets to attend after seeing the PR articles Ferrari paid to have published on Broadsheet, Which Car, Man of Many and other websites.
After reading the glowing description of the event online, I was expecting an event filled with historic Ferrari sports cars, displays of current vehicles and a celebration of everything ‘Italian’ and ‘Ferrari’.
Although I was wrong, or more accurately, I was dissapointed.
I think I had set my expectations too high after reading the descriptions of the event. Yes, there were lots of Ferrari’s to look at, but it felt more like a car dealer track display rather than a full on public event ready to cater to thousands of people.
Read about my experience attending this event.
What is the Ferrari Festival?
The Ferrari Festival is essentially a huge track day event that runs over two days with the feature category the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Australasia series. This is a one-make racing series that sees a mix of professional drivers and affluent Ferrari owners drive either a Ferrari 296 Challenge or the older 488 Challenge Evo on the track.
There are supporting categories that also get on track including the Passione Ferrari Club Challenge, Club GT, Esperienza Ferrari SF90 and a Ferrari owner’s parade.
Tickets to get in were free, the parking was also free & it is an event that is child & family friendly so it has lots to offer in terms of sheer value. Through the Ferrari dealer network you could also buy VIP hospitality tickets which included reserved parking, access to an air-conditioned suite with catering, alcoholic beverages, a 30-minute on-track parade, grid photo opportunities and guided paddock tours.
The schedule for the two days is pretty full with plenty of vehicles on track at regular intervals so there is something to see without having to wait too long which is good.
Access is excellent as well, you can either walk or drive to practically any viewing point around Sydney Motorsport Park and because it is a limited ticket event the crowds are very small too.
It means you can get up close and stand along the fence to get a great view of whatever is happening on the track as well as freely move about the paddock area without waiting for lots of people to see something.
So on face value it seems pretty good, but just how good probably depends on what other events you have been to before.
Is it a good event to attend?
I worked in the automotive industry for a few years for Lotus sports cars and I’ve been a car enthusiast for many years. So I have been fortunate to either be involved managing events or going to different ones here in Australia or overseas.
Therefore I had high expectations of what a Ferrari event would be like and perhaps I had set the bar too high because this was essentially a two day track day with a few displays set up from the dealerships that sell the vehicles.
It didn’t have a ‘vibe’ or ‘feeling’ of really celebrating the brand, it felt more ‘business like’ in the sense that it was all put on to support the racing for its owners. I realise this sounds entitled, but after reading the press articles and knowing the rich history the brand has I think I had anticipated more.
For those who don’t go to a lot of motorsport it is an event not to be missed as it is a rare chance to get up close and personal to one of the most prestigious brands in the world.
So essentially you get to see eight ‘main’ things;
- A huge tent that had a display of the current Ferrari models on sale courtesy of a local Ferrari dealer. Although, the tent area was quite small and all the cars were roped off with very limited space to appreciate each model on display, you couldn’t even walk behind them to see all the design elements.
- An open tent with five ‘Ferrari Approved’ vehicles on show where you could get up close and walk around them very easily without any barriers in the way.
- Limited edition Ferrari’s including a Daytona SP3, Monza SP1, Ferrari Enzo and F40 that you could see as they sat in the pit garage roped off from public access. Understandable considering the Daytona is worth over $3,000,000.
- A NSW Ferrari Owners club display with about 30 vehicles parked on the skid pad area.
- The rear of the pit garages where you can see some of the race cars being worked on & the teams getting their race cars ready.
- Racing simulators set up in the cafe upstairs above the pit building from Next Level Racing.
- A free sampling display from L’Or Espresso who launched their Ferrari-inspired Passione Rossa coffee line.
So depending on your perspective (and compared to other events or festivals you may have been to) there is either lots to see or not a lot at all.
There is probably enough to keep the kids happy for a few hours at least. Fortunately I have been to the Goodwood Revival, the Silverstone Classic, the Shannons Classic and other events like the HSRCA Festivals, Muscle Car Masters all of which are large events with lots of things to see and do all around the track from displays to shops to demonstrations. The Ferrari Festival doesn’t really have all of that.
The Ferrari Festival in comparison felt a bit lacklustre in the sense that it didn’t have a ‘buzz’ or atmosphere, it didn’t feel like a warm celebration of the brand’s history and even things like the food were limited to a gozleme food truck, ice cream and the standard cafe offerings.
There wasn’t even an F1 car on display. So in many senses it felt more like an event put on for the dealerships who were supporting the cars being raced, owners & a partisan number of people who were given free tickets versus a fully fledged celebration of Ferrari.
Maybe I am feeling entitled and had expectations that were way too high. Although it was a stark contrast to the hyped up public relations releases in the major media outlets.
As a car enthusiast I felt disappointed but maybe I have the wrong perspective and was expecting too much. It is silly for me to complain considering the tickets to get in were free, parking was free & the crowds weren’t very big (there was probably 500 people or so) so you can call me crazy.
Although, don’t get me wrong, I’m grateful to have seen an F40 actually ‘moving’ on track, get close to a $5M+ Daytona SP3 (one of just 399 made worldwide) and to see one of very few F50’s in the country, although, it was like a big tease, you could see but not really immerse yourself, you were close but just far enough away where you couldn’t completely enjoy.
I was left wondering about the potential for such an event to be more than just a weekend track day. Being pragmatic, Ferrari don’t really have to care about that though, the effort & cost would not be worth it given their brand status.
Plus from a commercial perspective they are there to sell, service and maintain the race cars participating in the event which is what generates their profits and new clients.
Although, if you are a motorsport enthusiast and enjoy seeing either classic cars racing or a mix of different marques I’d encourage you to do some research and consider these events;
- The Phillip Island Classic
- HSRCA Festivals
- The Shannons Classic
- The Adelaide Motorsport Festival
- The Australian GT4 series which includes Ferrari, McLaren, Ford, Toyota and other marques competing.
A Ferrari F40 on display and on the track in Sydney
One of the very few Ferrari F40’s in Australia that gets driven around Sydney on historic plates was on display in the pit area, but also did some laps of Sydney Motorsport Park.
A Ferrari Daytona SP3 in Australia
While I’ve seen an F40 and F50 before, something I have not seen in the flesh is a Daytona SP3, so it was a surprise to see one that is in Australia considering only 599 have been made.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 is a limited-edition, mid-engined V12 supercar unveiled by Ferrari in 2021 as part of its exclusive Icona series. Inspired by Ferrari’s legendary sports prototypes of the 1960s, such as the 330 P4 and 412 P, the Daytona SP3 pays homage to the 1967 Daytona 24 Hours race, where Ferrari secured a historic 1-2-3 finish.
It features a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine producing 618 kW (840 hp) and revving to 9500 rpm, making it the most powerful internal combustion engine Ferrari has ever put in a road car. The Daytona SP3 accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 2.85 seconds and reaches a top speed of over 340 km/h.
The design combines classic proportions with cutting-edge aerodynamics, showcasing a targa-style removable roof, sculpted bodywork, and dramatic rear buttresses. The cockpit is minimalist yet sophisticated, with fixed seats integrated into the chassis and adjustable pedals to provide a low-slung, race-inspired driving position although because it was roped off in the pit garage nobody could see inside it.
Worldwide production is limited to 599 units, each tailored to the buyer’s specifications and reports indicate there are just 10 in Australia. The Daytona SP3 represents a blend of Ferrari’s racing heritage and modern engineering excellence, positioning it as a collector’s car that embodies the pinnacle of naturally aspirated performance.
The Ferrari Daytona SP3 was launched with an official list price starting around AUD 3.3 million before taxes and options, but that’s just the theoretical “base” figure the reality is a lot pricier after options and considering its rarity.
As an ultra-limited model with only 599 units worldwide all got sold to Ferrari’s most loyal customers by invitation so the market values are heavily driven by demand and collector speculation. Overseas, resale prices have already been seen well above AUD 5–6.5 million, depending on mileage, provenance and personalisation.
In Australia once you add Luxury Car Tax, GST, import duties and compliance costs buying one would exceed AUD 5 million, that’s if you could find one to buy. The Daytona SP3 isn’t just a car, its an investment item that requires a seven-figure investment.
…and yes, sharing the garage was a Ferrari Monza SP1 which is also a limited-production speedster introduced in 2018 as part of Ferrari’s exclusive Icona series.
This series pays homage to the brand’s classic racing heritage, drawing inspiration from iconic models like the 750 Monza, 250 Testa Rossa, and 166 MM. The SP1’s design evokes the minimalist, open-top “barchetta” style of the 1950s, featuring a sleek, low-profile body without a traditional windscreen. Instead, it employs a “Virtual Windshield” system to direct airflow over the driver, enhancing comfort at high speeds.
It also has a naturally aspirated 6.5-litre V12 engine derived from the 812 Superfast, the Monza SP1 delivers 596 kW (810 hp) at 8,500 rpm and 719 Nm of torque at 7,000 rpm. This powertrain enables acceleration from 0 to 100 km/h in approximately 2.9 seconds, with a top speed exceeding 300 km/h. The vehicle’s lightweight construction, utilising carbon fibre composites, contributes to a dry weight of around 1,500 kg.
Even fewer Monza SP1 were made with just 499 units produced, including its two-seat counterpart, the SP2. Each unit was offered exclusively to select Ferrari clients, with a base price of approximately AUD $3,200,000+ on road costs.
So this pit garage had close to $10,000,000 in vehicles just sitting there being admired.
Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo at Sydney Motorpost Park
In the paddock area there was two display tents as well as access to the rear of the pit garages. So you could look at the current range of Ferrari models for sale or look at some of the ‘used’ vehicles for sale in the Ferrari Approved tent.
One of the race cars they had on display was the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo which is a track-only race car developed for the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli series.
Introduced in 2019 as an evolution of the 488 Challenge, it incorporates significant aerodynamic, handling, and electronic enhancements to improve performance and consistency in race conditions.
The 488 Challenge Evo is not road-legal and is typically sold to participants in Ferrari’s racing programs. In Australia, availability is limited, with occasional listings through specialised dealers or private sales. For instance, a 2021 model with low mileage was listed at AUD 420,000 from Zagame in Melbourne but of course prices will vary based on condition, usage, and included equipment.
This isn’t a loud, screaming V8, V10 or V12 from Ferrari, instead it is a 3.9-litre twin-turbocharged V8 that has approximately 500 kW (670 hp) at 8,000 rpm, 760 Nm at 3,000 rpm with a 7-speed dual-clutch F1 gearbox that weighs approximately 1,340 kg with a top speed up to 340 km/h.
Seeing a Ferrari Testarossa in Sydney
In the skid pad area the NSW Ferrari Owners Club had a few vehicles on display including this classic Ferrari Testarossa, the wall poster car from the 80’s and 90’s.
Interestingly this was one of the most popular cars on display with a constant crowd of people around it even though there were newer, faster, more modern cars on display.
As you probably already know, the Ferrari Testarossa is an iconic mid-engined grand tourer produced by Ferrari between 1984 and 1996. It’s best known for its dramatic, wedge-shaped design with wide rear haunches and distinctive side strakes, which earned it a starring role in 1980s pop culture, including appearances in Miami Vice and numerous music videos.
The name “Testarossa” means “red head” in Italian, a nod to the red-painted cam covers of its engine which I managed to get photos of when the engine was exposed.
Mechanically, the Testarossa features a 4.9-litre flat-12 engine mounted longitudinally, producing 287 kW (390 hp) in the original version, later rising in the 512 TR and F512 M updates. Power is delivered through a classic gated 5-speed manual gearbox, with performance figures including 0–100 km/h in around 5.3 seconds and a top speed of approximately 290 km/h which is seriously quick when you think this was in the 1980’s over 40 years ago.
The interior is luxurious by 1980s standards, with leather upholstery and a focus on grand touring comfort, but true to Ferrari’s racing DNA, the driving experience remained raw and engaging. Over its lifetime, about 7,200 units were produced, making it one of Ferrari’s most recognisable and successful models and in some senses quite rare.
The Testarossa is considered a desirable classic, appreciated for its unmistakable design, charismatic flat-12 engine and its cultural significance.
Zoom in on the photo of the gear stick to look at the slightly cracked numbered ball on the gear stick lever.
Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Australasia racing
The Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli Australasia is a premier single-make racing series introduced in 2025, marking Ferrari’s expansion into the Southern Hemisphere’s motorsport scene.
Organised by Ferrari S.p.A. and sanctioned by Motorsport Australia, this championship offers both aspiring and seasoned drivers a platform to compete in a structured, competitive environment.
The series features two main classes;
- Trofeo Pirelli: For professional and highly experienced drivers, utilising the latest Ferrari 296 Challenge cars.
- Coppa Shell: Designed for gentleman drivers and those newer to racing, competing in the Ferrari 488 Challenge Evo.
Each race weekend typically includes practice sessions, qualifying, and two 30-minute races, providing ample track time and competitive racing.
In Australia the 2025 racing calendar includes;
- Mount Panorama Circuit, Bathurst: 31 January – 1 February
- Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit: 4–6 April
- Sydney Motorsport Park: 2–4 May
- Sydney Motorsport Park: 28–29 June
- The Bend Motorsport Park: 5–7 September
The series is open to drivers from the Australasian region and beyond, fostering international competition. While the cars are not road-legal, they are maintained to high standards, ensuring close and exciting racing. The championship also serves as a stepping stone for drivers aiming to progress to higher levels of GT racing.
Is attending the Ferrari Festival a great experience?
If you are a casual motorsport enthusiast or want a small event to take the kids that doesn’t cost a lot of money then the Ferrari Festival is perfect for you. There are enough things to look at, easy access and free entry to a racetrack in Sydney to see the latest from Ferrari on track or in the pits.
If you have been to lots of big events and are accustomed to lots of trade displays, hundreds of vehicles on show and a wide variety of pit garage action then this event might be a bit underwhelming, unless you are a super passionate Ferrari fan.
For anyone who loves taking photos of cars at a racetrack then this event is a great one to attend to because there aren’t too many people, there is plenty of access around the pit area or the track itself & you can focus on a select number of cars.
