A First-Hand Experience at Corso Pilota Sport

2 min

April 2, 2025 | Katherine McDonald

A First-Hand Experience at Corso Pilota Sport

2 min

A Ferrari owner’s passion for driving reached new heights through the Corso Pilota Sport.

Katherine McDonald

April 2, 2025

For many Ferrari enthusiasts, the journey to true driving mastery begins with passion. For one dedicated owner, that journey took an exciting turn at Ferrari’s Corso Pilota Sport program—a first-class experience that transformed his understanding of performance driving and deepened his love for the brand.

A Passion for Ferrari, Born from Experience

Before becoming a Ferrari devotee, this owner had a long history with another Italian marque—Lamborghini. After owning five Lamborghinis, he decided to take a chance on Ferrari, purchasing an F12. The experience was transformative. “I never looked back,” he recalls. “Now, I would never buy a Lambo again. I have been a Ferrari enthusiast since my first day of driving my F12.”

The allure of the brand wasn’t just about its legacy but about the visceral connection to the car. “I was always drawn to a V12 engine, and the sound and aesthetics of the Ferrari F12 were impossible to resist. The front of the car, with its shark-like aggression, felt like a predator hunting its prey.”

Stepping into the World of Corso Pilota

Before Corso Pilota, his Ferrari driving experiences were limited to curated drives organized by Ferrari Beverly Hills and Ferrari Westlake. While enjoyable, these drives didn’t compare to the structured and immersive training provided by Corso Pilota at Thermal Club.

One of the most thrilling aspects of the program was the cone course with time trials. “That was the best benefit to a Ferrari owner—to see how the car performs in a street-like setting with tight turns,” he explains. “LA traffic doesn’t allow for this kind of experience, so combining that with full race track participation made the entire program so much more valuable.”

Beyond the thrill of speed, the program offered a crucial education in car control. “My biggest concern was not knowing how far I could push my Ferrari and how to bring it back if I lost control. At Thermal, I learned the true limits of these incredible machines and how to drive them in a more aggressive, yet safer and smarter way.”

Discovering the Ferrari 296 GTB

The Corso Pilota experience also provided an opportunity to push the Ferrari 296 GTB to its limits. Already familiar with the model from previous Ferrari events—and eagerly awaiting delivery of his own—he was impressed with its performance on the track. “I love its size—small enough to be nimble, yet spacious enough to accommodate my 6’2” frame comfortably.”

On the track, the 296 GTB exceeded expectations. “I was surprised by how balanced it was in the corners, how far we could push it, and how well it responded to steering inputs.” Compared to the SF90, the differences were striking. “The SF90 felt insanely fast in a straight line, but I lacked confidence in corners. It felt more like a rocket ship than a race car. The 296 GTB, on the other hand, was remarkably nimble and had a surprising amount of power—it truly felt like a race car.”

A Must-Do for Every Ferrari Owner

Reflecting on the experience, he describes Corso Pilota Sport as nothing short of exceptional. “I was very pleasantly surprised by how first-class the entire program was. The level of staff, mechanics, drivers, and professional instruction clearly showcased Ferrari’s dedication to its customers and to ensuring they experience their cars at the highest level.”

Would he recommend Corso Pilota to other Ferrari owners? Without hesitation. “I would DEFINITELY recommend this and the other two advanced classes to anyone who owns a Ferrari. You walk away with a deeper appreciation for the brand, an understanding of what Ferrari stands for, and an overwhelming desire to sign up for the Evoluzione and Race courses. Corso Pilota Sport elevates the ownership experience and leaves you with a huge grin on your face.”

For those looking to truly harness the power of their Ferrari, Corso Pilota Sport isn’t just an option—it’s a necessity.