First launched in 1993, the Ferrari Challenge has since expanded across four continents to become arguably the most exclusive and prestigious single-make race series in the world. Initially, grids featured Ferrari’s 320-horsepower 348 Challenge model, although this was succeeded by more powerful and technically advanced Challenge variants of the F355, 360 Modena, and F430, in 1995, 2000, and 2006 respectively. Remarkably, by 2011, the fifth-generation 458 Challenge boasted some 570 horsepower and a seven-speed paddleshift-operated gearbox, as well as carbon-fibre bodywork, ABS braking, and traction control.

However, the introduction of Ferrari’s new twin-turbocharged 488 Challenge in 2017 heralded a new era, for it represented the first time the series had embraced forced induction. The new competition derivative retained its roadgoing counterpart’s 3.9-litre V-8 engine in near-standard 670 horsepower form, albeit lightened by 20 kilograms and with its mapping optimised to improve throttle response and power delivery. A seven-speed semi-automatic gearbox employed shorter ratios to aid acceleration, while aerodynamic efficiency was reputedly almost 10 per cent better than that of its predecessor.

While it was the most powerful Ferrari Challenge car ever built, it was in its electronic control systems that the 488 Challenge afforded the most significant technical advances. Ferrari’s Slide Slip Control (SSC) software made its first appearance in a Challenge car, operating in conjunction with an electronic differential and traction control system to improve turn-in, cornering, and acceleration. The latter two elements were driver-adjustable via two steering wheel-mounted Manettino switches; such electronic trickery enabled the new car to lap Ferrari’s Fiorano test track over a second a lap faster than the outgoing 458 Challenge Evo.

In 2020, Ferrari unveiled its 488 Challenge Evo, which was available either as a newly built car or as an update kit for existing chassis. Heavily revised bodywork generated some 50 per cent more downforce than the previous “non-Evo” incarnation, while enhanced SSC, traction control, “E-diff”, and ABS settings permitted a far wider set-up window than had existed previously.

Delivered new to UAE Ferrari importer Al Tayer Motors in 2020, this particular chassis was sold to the consigning owner later that year, remaining in their possession ever since. It contested selected Ferrari Challenge events over 2020 and 2021 in the Middle East, for which preparation responsibilities were entrusted to respected Dubai-based GT team Dragon Racing. Significantly, the relatively short race distances and minimal testing available resulted in the car being used only sparingly—its odometer displays just 3,477 kilometres at the time of cataloguing. Such is the car’s carefully limited use in recent years, bidders are encouraged to have the Ferrari mechanically inspected before returning it to the track.

Offering near-GT3 levels of performance at a fraction of the cost, chassis 251589 is immaculately presented in eye-catching monochrome colours and would be a spectacular addition to the ever-increasing number of recent-era GT events for which it is eligible.