Over 30 Dream Cars Hit the Track in Spain
Legendary F1-89 single-seater was part of impressive fleet of cars that participated in two days of tests on Barcelona race track.
More than 30 F1 Clienti and XX Programmes cars took turns in two days of tests on a Barcelona track, at Montmelò, thrilling the invited customers who let rip on a track that has hosted the Spanish Formula 1 Grand Prix since 1991.
The legendary F1-89 single-seater, a car that holds a special place in the history of the category, was also present. This was the first car equipped with a semi-automatic transmission and gear shifter on the steering wheel, an extraordinary innovation that hugely reduced the work of the drivers. Previously, continuous use of the gear lever had taken its toll on their hands. As well as driving comfort, this innovation also meant that drivers never had to take either hand off the steering wheel, thus reducing errors. For the F1-89 the situation was almost paradoxical since it never had the chance to compete on this track because the system was only completed in 1991.
There were also various cars on the track from the 2000s, including a number of Spanish Grand Prix winners. One of these was the F2001, which dominated the race with Michael Schumacher, or the 2004, which, again with the German, monopolised the season and won the title at Spa-Francorchamps at the end of August. The F2007 also put in an appearance. Felipe Massa drove this car to his fourth career win, while Kimi Räikkönen triumphed the following season with the F2008. There was also space for the F138 with which Fernando Alonso gained victory at home in the 2013 season.
In addition to the Formula 1 single-seaters, the cars of the XX Programmes also proved entertaining. Ten FXX Ks and FXX K EVOs took to the track, with their incredible 1,050 hp engines. Customers were free to fully exploit the potential of the hybrid car on the long straight to the finish line, while the 599XX and 599XX EVO used their sophisticated aerodynamics to stick to the asphalt and reach high cornering speeds. All in all, it was an unforgettable spectacle.