The two teams that have created GT cars based on the 550 Maranello were invited to Fiorano for testing in late November. Prodrive (famous for their Subaru Rally winners) and Team Rafanelli both brought both cars and drivers (Peter Cox - Prodrive, Emanuele Naspetti - Rafanelli) along with Scuderia Ferrari drivers Luca Badoer and Dario Benuzzi. The sighting of privateers with factory support is a good sign.

Now that Ferrari has started dominating F1, more resources can be thrown at the sports effort. If Ferrari homologates the 550 as a factory racer, expect teams to line up to buy them. A similar case occurred with the 333 SP being developed by Michelotto. With outside engineering support, Ferrari only has to put minimal effort in to make a race winner. It's almost like getting something for nothing. Luca Badoer was the fastest around a wet track with a time of 1:14.812.

Prodrive has indicated that they would build around 6 of these cars for sale and the car did well in both the European series as well as its North American debut at the Petit le Mans at Road Atlanta in Braselton, GA. Also at that race was the MSB 360. Ex-Bennetton, ex-Risi engineer John McLoughlin built this car with financial support from Ferrari enthusiast Phillip Bennett. If the teething problems are worked out, this car should give 911 GT's a run for their money. Who wouldn't want to race a Ferrari at the same price? With all of these efforts going along, it looks like Ferrari is starting to return to their roots. Hopefully success in F1 will continue and we'll have the opportunity to see Ferrari on top of the time sheets at le Mans...