This is the largest gathering of Ferrari models from the luxury Italian brand on the continent. The first Ferrari gathering held in South America, which has been taking place in Punta del Este since last Thursday, the 27th, concludes today. More than 40 Ferrari cars from countries such as Chile, Argentina, Paraguay, Peru, and Uruguay took part in the event, making it the largest gathering of Ferrari cars on the continent. Among the participants was racing driver Santiago Urrutia.
The activity began in the Andean country: 16 Ferraris of various models set off from Santiago de Chile, embarking on a journey that lasted 9 days and covered 4.000 kilometers.
During this time, they crossed the Andes Mountains through the Los Libertadores International Pass, reached the city of Mendoza and continued their journey to Buenos Aires, where many other vehicles from the luxurious Italian brand joined the caravan. From there they crossed into Uruguay, passing through Colonia and Montevideo, until they finally arrived in Punta del Este.
“The idea came about after our first rally outside of Chile last year. The Crossing of the Andes was a gathering of camaraderie that integrated the culture and tourism of Chile and Argentina over a 3.000-kilometer journey,” explained Santiago Lombardi, sales and marketing manager of Ferrari Chile.
The success of that first rally was what motivated them to plan the brand's largest continental gathering in Punta del Este. According to Lombardi, the Uruguayan resort was chosen "because it's the closest thing in South America to Saint Tropez, a city of great beauty and glamour."
Activities.
During the trip from Chile to Uruguay, the drivers visited exclusive gastronomic establishments such as the Argentine restaurant 1884, run by renowned chef Francis Mallmann. The route from Buenos Aires to Uruguay was by water and land. The Ferraris traveled by boat to the city of Colonia. Once there, they drove to Punta del Este in their luxurious vehicles.
During the four-day event, participants visited José Ignacio, held a rally to Laguna Garzón, had lunch at the La Huella beach bar, and had dinner at the Hotel Conrad. There, on the hotel's esplanade, a car show was held, open to the public, where thousands of curious visitors could come and see the luxury models on display. Today, as a way to close out the international event, the drivers will have lunch at the Port of Punta del Este.
The objective of this activity was to "highlight the automotive heritage that Ferrari has given us and that has undoubtedly shaped the development of the industry worldwide," explained Roberto Busel, president of the Ferrari Club Chile and one of the event organizers.
Exhibition that attracted hundreds.
Hundreds of people came to the Ferrari car show held yesterday on the esplanade of the Conrad Hotel. Various models of the Italian luxury brand could be seen there, such as the F430 and 458. Among the participants of the first and largest Ferrari meeting in South America was the Uruguayan driver Santiago Urrutia.
Source: el pais.com.uy
