This past weekend the foundation stone for the Ferrari Theme Park was laid on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi – one of seven Emirates making up the UAE – along with a time capsule.
Under the rule of Luca di Montezemolo Ferrari has gone from strength to strength, and having its own theme park will surely cement Ferrari’s future. The theme park will sprawl across 250,000sq m, with 80,000sq m under cover. When finished in 2009 it will feature theatres, automotive displays, and the usual roller coasters. The USP will however be a race circuit in the heart of the park, that will offer driving experiences, and host an F1 race in 2009.
Alongside the foundation stone a time capsule was also buried (pictured), which contained a conrod and piston from this year’s F1 car, as well as the first artist’s impression of the theme park. We can’t help thinking that letting us see the sketch would have been a better move.
This year is Ferrari’s 60th anniversary, and the capsule will be dug up in 2047, for the Prancing Horse’s centenary celebrations. Di Montezemolo, Ferrari’s president said: ‘I am particularly proud to be present to mark the symbolic start of this great project. Moreover, 2007 is the year of Ferrari’s 60th anniversary, and this ceremony has therefore a further, important meaning’.
At one end of the scale Ferrari produces stunning cars like the 430 Scuderia, yet at the other end it could be accused of crass money grabbing. The recent FXX Evoluzione is one such example, and the Ferrari Theme Park could well be grouped into the same category.
Do you agree, or should such a move be welcomed as it will guarantee Ferrari’s future? Click ‘Add comment’ below and have your say…