The 2021 Ferrari World Finals were an opportunity to see a French driver who was the protagonist of the Ferrari Challenge Europe in the early 2000s.
In fact, Ange Barde was on the track at Mugello: as he likes to say, his “area” of birth is Le Castellet, a circuit that he loves a lot.
The Frenchman was Ferrari Challenge Champion four times, three times with the 360 Challenge and once with the 430.
Moments where electronics did not “abound” on racing cars, where the driver really made the difference. The battles with Cullen, Shovlin and Blancardi in every corner of Europe are historic.
Then in 2008, he founded his own watch company and devoted himself totally to it, as he recounts in this exclusive interview with Motorsport.com.
Ange, nine seasons and 4 titles, what do you remember from that period?
“They have been wonderful seasons, I remember the duels, the debut with the 360 Modena and above all the many fast drivers ready to battle. Surely they were other times, other cars and more lightheartedness”.
Who were your main antagonists?
“Michael Cullen and Paddy Shovlin are undoubtedly the opponents par excellence, but I must say that Max Blancardi is the one who gave me the most trouble. For me, he was the most complete of my opponents. However the races were very tight and making mistakes is not the case. was contemplated “.
In 2009 after nine seasons, close with the Ferrari Challenge …
“It was the year in which I founded my company, a deep passion for motorsport and in 2010 I debuted with my watchmaking brand. I designed my first watch, inspired by motorsport and components. At the same time it is an elegant and sporty product. Each collection is a limited series that ends with the latest watch, only those exist and will exist “.
From the Ferrari 360 Modena, in the first year of the 430, up to the 488 Challenge with which you returned this season, what differences did you find?
“Let’s talk about other times, there are many differences starting from the electronics. At the time it was not so prevalent, the cars were much more physical and the difference was made by the drivers who pushed to the limit. Now with all this electronics on board, we can say that they are ‘easier’, even if going fast is another thing “.
How did the return go at the age of 52?
“Despite my age I am quite satisfied. The championship is still very competitive. I was unlucky, there are three races where I didn’t score any points; in the end they affected the classification. I’m happy to be still in the Ferrari Challenge, I love these cars and this atmosphere. Now I have to understand what to do for next year, my main commitment remains my company. However, in January I will be back on track “.
Ange Barde, SF Côte d’Azur Cannes
Photo by: Paolo Belletti
#Barde #recounts #times #Ferrari #Challenge