Ferrari Challenge returns to Montreal for F1 - Challenge Series continues 20th Anniversary Season

MONTREAL, June 5, 2013 /CNW Telbec/ - Carrying on Ferrari's historic racing heritage, the 2013 North American Ferrari Challenge Series embarks on its fourth race of the season at Montreal's Gilles Villeneuve Circuit from June 7 - 9, taking place alongside the Formula 1 Canadian Grand Prix.

The Circuit-Gilles-Villeneuve is a long-standing favorite for Ferrari Challenge drivers thanks to the enthusiastic crowds that the event is known for as well as the exciting racing action. A diverse field of 35 Ferrari Challenge drivers representing the US, Canada, Equator, Argentina, Venezuela and the UK will carry on the Challenge series on yet another iconic North American track.

"We are extremely happy to return to Montreal for the Grand Prix race weekend. This is a great city with an amazing passion for racing, in one of our most important and growing markets in Canada. For all of the enthusiasts and aficionados, we are pleased to showcase our line-up from the F12 Berlinetta and FF to the 458 Challenge cars that put in motion our technological capabilities on this demanding race track," says Marco Mattiacci, President and CEO of Ferrari North America.

The Ferrari Challenge kicked-off its 20th anniversary season with a support race at the famed Rolex 24-Hours Race of Daytona, then travelled to the legendary Interlagos circuit in Brazil and from there moved on to the Sonoma Raceway in the heart of California wine country. After Montreal, the seven race series continues through the end of the year at Lime Rock (Connecticut), Mosport (Toronto, Canada) and Circuit of the Americas (Austin, Texas) culminating with an international championship race in Europe.

On Saturday, June 8, Ferrari North America will again host an INVITATION-ONLY party at Hôtel Le Saint-James to celebrate this very special racing weekend.

''We are thrilled to hold this exciting evening at the St. James again this year. It is one of the most glamorous and prestigious events of the red carpet season,'' comments Elizabeth Glimenaki, Vice President, Sales and Marketing, Hôtel le St. James.

2013 Ferrari Challenge Series Dates

• January 23-26, Daytona Int. Speedway (Rolex 24 Hour race), Florida
• April 12-14, Interlagos at San Paolo, Brazil - (Ferrari Racing Days)
• April 26-28, Sonoma Raceway at Sears Point, California
• June 7-9, Gilles Villeneuve Circuit at Montreal, Canada - (Formula 1)
• July 19-20, Lime Rock Park at Lime Rock, Connecticut (NY Metro area)
• September 6-8, Mosport International Raceway, Mosport, Canada
• November 15-17, Circuit Of The Americas at Austin, Texas - (Formula 1)

About the Ferrari Challenge Series
Regarded as the longest-running of its type, in 2013 the Ferrari Challenge Series began its 20th season in North America enabling owners of Ferrari 458 Challenge vehicles to compete against each other at world-class race tracks throughout the Americas. Drivers compete for the trophies in two categories - The Trofeo Pirelli and the Coppa Shell. The Ferrari Challenge Series is organized by Ferrari North America, and sanctioned by the Grand American Road Racing Association.
For more information, please visit www.ferrarichallenge.com and follow us on Twitter @FerrariUSA.

About Ferrari North America
Ferrari North America, Inc. is headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, NJ, and is the exclusive North, Central and South American importer of Ferrari vehicles including the 458 Italia, 458 Spider, the California and FF Grand Tourers and the F12berlinetta.
For more information please visit www.ferrariusa.com and follow us on Twitter @FerrariUSA.

SOURCE: Ferrari Challenge Series

Information: Veronica Redgrave 514.938.2489
Communications Redgrave de Miguel
[email protected]

Ferrari contact: Krista Florin, 201-510-2522