The opening ceremony of Europe’s only resort dedicated to the ’Prancing Horse’ welcomed over 250 national and international members of the media, with a significant presence from British, Italian, French, German, Russian and other European media.
Ferrari Land, the third theme park at PortAventura World Parks & Resort, has today opened its doors to the public for the first time after a grand inauguration ceremony. Arturo Mas Sardá, Chairman of PortAventura World, said, ‘Ferrari Land is the most ambitious project in the history of PortAventura World and today our dreams have become a reality, thanks to the partnership with Ferrari, one of the most respected brands in the world, and an investment of over 100 million euros.’
The opening ceremony saw 1,500 guests gather in the heart of the new park, opposite the Ferrari Experience attraction. Arturo Mas Sardá and Piero Ferrari set the park’s wheels in
Motion in an emotive event attended by a host of celebrities, including special guest Ferrari test driver, Marc Gené.
A world-class park
Visitors to the resort can experience the spirit of Ferrari Land through its homage to the excellence of the Italian brand which has been reflected in the park’s iconic buildings. The park also represents a tribute to the genius of Enzo Ferrari, to the lifestyle he created and the iconic red cars, symbols of speed, technology and innovation.
Ferrari Land was designed to recreate the true excitement of the Ferrari legend. Spanning over 70,000sqm, the new park offers 11 attractions for the whole family, with a strong focus on technology and adrenaline. As well as the thrilling attractions, visitors can enjoy restaurants, shops and shows that reflect the spirit of Ferrari.
Right in the heart of Ferrari Land, the spectacular Ferrari Experience building presides over the new park, its silhouette in the shape of the legendary Ferrari racing car. Here, the whole family can enjoy an immersive experience into the two worlds of the Italian brand – GT and Formula 1 – through two ground-breaking attractions.
Racing Legends gives visitors the chance to put their driving skills to the test, driving a Ferrari through the streets of Rome, along the most famous racing circuits in the world, or through imaginary futuristic scenes. The Omnimax simulator experience starts off by calling for ‘drivers of the future’, who will experience the adventure on one of ten mobile platforms. The second immersive experience, Flying Dreams, sends visitors on a journey around the world and through time, allowing them to see the brand’s most famous vehicles and drivers up close.
Ferrari Experience also plays host to the Ferrari Gallery, an impressive space where visitors can enjoy an interactive experience and learn details of the history of the legendary Ferrari team.
Crowning the skyline of the park is Red Force, the highest and fastest vertical accelerator in Europe. This ride offers a unique experience for thrill-seekers and Formula 1 fans, with an acceleration of 0 to 112mph in 5 seconds, and a height of 112m. Undoubtedly, Red Force is the park’s main attraction, with its sleek structure visible from several miles away.
Eight semi-professional simulators make up Pole Position Challenge where visitors can put their driving skills to the test. Similar to the simulators used by Formula 1 drivers for training, this ride is a must for motor sports fans.
Other rides include the Maranello Grand Race racetrack, an unforgettable race in Italian GT race cars, along a track of over 500m. This family-friendly attraction recreates the excitement of driving a legendary Ferrari 488 Spider. Next to the track are the Thrill Towers, resembling giant pistons from a Formula 1 car, each offering a different experience for those who dare to ride.
Next to these is an attraction aimed at younger visitors. Junior Championship offers children the chance to experience the thrill of skidding along Formula 1’s traditional ‘whip’ in a small-scale replica of the real vehicles. One of Formula 1’s most emblematic moments is the iconic pit stop. At Ferrari Land, the ride Pit Stop Record allows two teams to compete to change four tires on a full-size Formula 1 car as quickly as possible. Kids’ Podium offers a play centre where the park’s youngest visitors can enjoy the most authentic motorsport adventures.