Maranello Motorsport’s red Ferrari 458 GT3 arrived some months ago directly from the official Ferrari race preparation company, Michelotto, and the team continues to receive factory support through final preparations for the first event of the 2012 season. Michelotto engineers arrive this week at Mount Panorama to assist in ensuring the Il Bello Rosso entry is at the top of its game.

This year, the Australian based team brings the all-star line-up of European endurance professionals, Simonsen and Farnbacher, along with Australian racing legend, John Bowe and businessman come race driver, Peter Edwards.

The German pilots, sharing experience with the 458 machine, are keen to hit one of the world’s most challenging circuits in Australia, while local driver, Bowe is ready for the year’s first challenge, explaining, “I’m delighted to compete in such a professional Australian team. We’ve got a great line-up of drivers, a really good car, and an outstanding support team, all the ingredients you need to combine for success. Our international drivers are very well credentialed, and while I haven’t had many laps in the car yet, as a team unit, it’s the year for us to really rattle the cages of our international guests. I’m definitely looking forward to it.”

Maranello Motorsport’s Managing Director, Mark Coffey, is also confident in the home crew after successful outings for the entry so far, saying, “We knew the car would be an outstanding machine, and with the success of debut, a positive test with Bowe at Phillip Island recently, and knowing the work our crew have put in with the ongoing support from the Michelotto factory staff, we’ve got a great race package. Bathurst is always a tough place to be learning, and while we’ve got some impressive international entries to up the challenge this time around, there’s no reason why it can’t be the Il Bello Rosso Ferrari taking the chequered flag.”