Given the sheer geographical spread of F1 races and the demands of the sport, Ferrari's logistics operation is a terrifying beast. However the logistics department works out of an incredibly shiny building located hard by it's test track (during our visit there were a pair of road cars being out through their paces with accompanying squeals, screeches and expensive engine noises) which is infinitely nicer than most logistics offices. Of course it is Ferrari.
Anyway, this morning was devoted to meeting important people: sporting director Massimo Rivola who wore a suit and head of logistics Miodrag Kutur who, whilst not in overalls, was at least in jeans, albeit designer ones.
Both stressed the importance of logistics to the operation. Now, while it's self evident that if the cars don't arrive at a GP circuit on time it's a bit of a disaster the logistics of the operation encompasses more than simply shifting the cars about. As well as these highly expensive pieces of carbon fibre and fairy wings, the logistics operation shifts infinitely more mundane items in its 44-odd-tonnes of load (which doesn't include the eight subontract trucks moving its enormous motorhome): tools, pit and garage boards and even 1.5-tonnes of groceries and crockery to feed its employees and anyone else that drops by for a sandwich. In Europe the logistics are handled by road (mostly in-house but some is subcontracted to DHL) whilst rest of the world stuff is split between air and sea freight depending on weight and priority. Indeed, Ferrari says it finds it more cost-effective to buy four of some items, stuff them into a 40ft shipping box and move them that way than air freight its only set around.
All European moves are handled by a fleet of Iveco Stralis tractors (top of the range 13-litre 560hp Active Space Supercube tractors at that) and after lunch we got to see one being loaded with a pair of race cars before proceededing to chase it down the motorway in the vain hope of securing a decent snap. An assortment of ham-fisted shots will be up on flickr shortly: www.flickr.com/photos/domperry