Michael Schumacher Took the Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE to the Track

Schumacher, seven-time Formula One world champion, ran a few laps of the Fiorano race track last week, driving the new Ferrari 599 GTB HGTE. The 599 GTB, which was recently introduced at the Geneva Show, is equipped with the Handling Gran Turismo Evoluzione package (this is what HGTE stands for).

The former F1 champion was at the Fiorano race track as a guest at the Pilota Ferrari driving courses held by the Italian automaker.

These courses are organized exclusively for Ferrari owners in order to instruct them in performance driving, and helping them use their full potential in safety conditions, on the track and on the road as well. It also enables them to properly understand and handle the features of their car.

The courses are available in four levels of difficulty, such as Basic, Advanced, Evolution and Challenge, as well a special On Ice course and one dedicated for those who wish to race in the one-make racing series, the Ferrari Challenge.

Unfortunately, Michael Schumacher didn't express his opinion about the 599 GTB HGTE. However, according to the manufacturer, this package includes a lower, stiffer suspension, a tire compound that offers better grip levels, modified magnetorheological damper settings to improve body control and more sporty exhaust sound.

The HGTE has also brought the car styling changes, different from a standard production car, such as a carbon fiber-made cabin, the 20-inch wheels and the aggressive front grille, similar to the one installed on the 430 Scuderia.

As for the speed and performances, the 599 GTB HGTE’s 6.0 liter V12 engine develops 620 horsepower, which allows it to accelerate 0-63mph in no less than 3.7 seconds. The HGTE kit will cost you around $25,000 over the base model, which is around $300,000.