The Filipino flag flew high at the racetracks of Fuji Speedway in Japan, as Vincent Floirendo achieved two outstanding podium finishes at the Ferrari Asia Pacific Challenge held last month.

Clocking the third fastest time in Pirelli Class and second in Coppa Shell race, Floirendo has a total of five podium finishes to date. He also finished third in three consecutive Coppa Shell races in Sydney, Shanghai and Korea.

“We congratulate Vincent on his very successful stint in the Ferrari APAC challenge. Two podium finishes in the last race is a remarkable achievement, especially for a first timer in this competition. We at Autostrada believe the Filipinos are at par with the world's best drivers and this is proof of that. Indeed, Vincent has shown the passion that Ferrari is known for and the fighting heart the Filipinos the world over is very proud of," said Marc Soong, executive director of Autostrada Motore Inc., the official importer and distributor of Ferrari cars in the Philippines

The Ferrari Challenge is one of the most popular one-make competitive series in the world, where over 2,400 drivers have raced from over 40 different countries since 1993. The Asia Pacific region has joined the race in 2011.

The race is divided into the Coppa Shell class and Pirelli class according to the participant’s racing experience and driving level. All drivers compete using the 458 Challenge EVO, the mid-rear V8 Berlinetta derived from the 458 Italia and the fifth model used by Ferrari in its one-make racing series. Each car has been fitted with the EVO Kit starting this year.

Last month, the Fuji Speedway in Japan was flocked by thousands of fans who filled the grandstand and paddock to witness twenty-two challenge drivers compete in the thrilling races.

Race 1 was led by Max Blancardi from Monaco in the Pirelli Pro classification who took the chequered flag of the Trofeo Pirelli. It was an exciting race in the Pirelli classification of experienced drivers as Philippe Prette from Hong Kong took the honours with an impressive time of 31:51.306, Steve Wyatt from Australia came in second, followed by Ringo Chong from Singapore.

For the newcomers in the Coppa Shell class, Paul van Loenhout recorded an amazing win with the time of 32:14.182, David Tjiptobiantoro from Indonesia was ranked second, and Vincent Floirendo came in third, crossing the line only 0.06 seconds behind.

Race 2 was just as exhilarating. Ferrari GT Driver Giancarlo Fisichella participated in the race as guest of honour.  From the farthest starting position he presented his breakneck speed ability to entertain the fans.

In the Trofeo Pirelli Pro classification, Max Blancardi took the top spot once again with the race time of 31:51:903, while in the Trofeo Pirelli classification Philippe Prette was victorious with 31:58:281. The second place went to Steve Wyatt, who crossed the line just before Ringo Chong.

In the Coppa Shell Category, David Tjiptobiantoro from Indonesia clocked the fastest time with 32:13:703, Vincent Floirendo came in second, followed by Paul van Loenhout with just a 0.9 second delay.

 “It was a pleasure getting on the track with Giancarlo Fisichella and would like to thank Ferrari for the wonderful opportunity.  I started from the third row in the beginning trying to stay close to Fisichella who was constantly leading the race, and was able to close the race at blazing speed at the end,” said Max Blancardi.

Next stop of the competition will be in Sepang, Malaysia in November, with the finale happening in Abu Dhabi in December.