Media & Events - Bowe Takes Maiden Flight in Maranello 458 GT3

In the lead up to next month's Bathurst 12 Hour, Phillip Island today hosted another Maranello Motorsport first as John Bowe took to the wheel of the Il Bello Rosso 458 GT3 to settle in for what could just be the ride of his life.

The second test for the Michelotto prepared monster saw Bowe take it to the limits on the southern circuit, cementing a confidence in the latest Maranello race acquisition, ready for the world stage.

Having completed his first five lap session, Bowe returned to consult the technicalities with the Maranello crew, but not before stepping out of the cockpit with a smile to explain,

"It's incredibly impressive, with massive amount of grip compared to the Mustang so really, it's like 'wow'!

"The 458 has a much nicer gear change than the previous Ferrari, a nicer brake feel, and it's got a lot more gizmos to work around, and so far I've only done a very limited amount which lends to a lot more to come.

"I've done lots of miles in these sorts of cars, not for a while, so with a lot more grip than most cars because of the aero grip, you need to again believe in the fact that it's actually going to go around the corners and pull up when all of your senses are saying that it won't,.

"It's impressive, I don't know how else to put it, it's great to drive, comfortable and has unquestionable performance, a very well thought out race car, much more so than most.

"There's always some areas that I think we can improve on in terms of stability, but nothing drastic as overall it's an amazingly well prepared car which I'm definitely looking forward to driving at Bathurst."

Completing some 20 laps of the 4.4km circuit, Bowe used the sessions to make his place in the Il Bello Rosso machine, looking to build his own confidence in its capabilities, some well beyond his initial hopes.

There's no doubt the Maranello Motorsport entry will see the drivers and crew giving everything at the Mountain, and with Bowe joining the likes of Simonsen, Farnbacher and Edwards, keep an eye on this monster.