This week it was announced that a Ferrari SF90 XX Stradale had achieved the fastest ever lap of Fiorano by a road car. Based on the SF90 Stradale, the 1030-cv car - driven by Ferrari’s Head of Development Test Driving Raffaele de Simone - hit a lap time of 1’17.309”, a new record for homologated road cars. Equipped with lightweight carbon fibre wheels and Michelin Cup2R tyres, the time was 1.4” faster than the time set by the original car which was equipped with the Assetto Fiorano package and the same tyres.

Carried out on October 16th, the test was conducted during the SF90 Stradale media launch test drives with members of the international press watching on. Engineers were quizzed by journalists about how the car had been developed and prepared, while the record time was being set out on Fiorano’s track.

Ferrari’s XX programme was launched back in 2005 to provide the maximum driving experience to exclusive customers of the Prancing Horse, with lucky owners getting the opportunity to take part in six annual exclusive track days across the world. New technologies and solutions were tested on the FXX, FXX K and 599XX that Ferrari would then apply in future years to its series models.

Previously, all of Ferrari’s previous XX models were limited to track use only, however, this has now changed with both the SF90 XX Stradale and SF90 XX Spider convertible road legal. About 1,400 were produced and already snapped up by loyal Ferrari customers.

The SF90 XX Stradale will be on display at the Ferrari Museum in Maranello from 15 December, with an exhibition corner containing information and insights into the car and the record. 

Words: Mike Booth
Pictures: Ferrari North Europe