title：Ferrari 812 Competizione: Track Test & Review at Fiorano Circuit

content：Ferrari 812 Competizione: A Track-Focused Masterpiece

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to drive Ferrari’s most extreme front-engined GT on its home track, Troy McClure’s test of the 812 Competizione at Fiorano has all the answers. This car is the spiritual successor to the F12 TDF, but it’s not just a retread—it’s a masterclass in balancing raw power with modern composure. After analyzing Troy’s laps, I’m breaking down the design, performance, and how it stacks up to its iconic predecessor.

Design & Aero Innovations

The 812 Competizione’s design isn’t just for show—it’s a lesson in aerodynamic efficiency. Ferrari’s designers used the need for engine venting to add a bonnet strap, which visually shortens the long nose to give the car a more mid-engined look. At the rear, a deck replaces the traditional screen to optimize airflow, paired with full-width strakes that push high-speed air toward the spoiler for extra downforce.

The exhausts are a standout detail: they’re actual finishers (no covers) pushed all the way to the edges, freeing up space for a wider diffuser. A chassis engineer quoted in the video notes that even small increases in downforce (like 5-10 kg) make a big difference in how the car feels at road and track speeds.

Performance & Driving Dynamics

Under the bonnet, the 812 Competizione packs an 830hp naturally aspirated V12 that revs to 9.5k RPM—30 more hp than the standard 812 Superfast. The engine’s roar is epic, but the real magic is in the handling.

Troy highlights the car’s active rear steer system, which for the first time allows rear wheels to steer independently. This means under braking, the rear wheels can toe in for stability, and on corner exit, they adjust to boost traction. The Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 RS tyres are critical too—they need to reach 70°C to perform, so warm-up laps are non-negotiable.

Braking is another strong point: the car uses SF90 calipers (ventilated to let air out) paired with 812 Superfast-sized discs, delivering consistent, powerful stops even at high speeds.

content：How It Stacks Up to the F12 TDF

The F12 TDF was known for being spiky and difficult to drive—Troy calls it “undrivable” without electronics. The 812 Competizione changes that. It retains the TDF’s raw, visceral feel but adds a level of composure missing in its predecessor.

Troy notes that the Competizione’s steering is sharp yet light, and the car turns in quickly without feeling twitchy. The active rear steer system has evolved twice since the TDF, making it more natural in response. Unlike the TDF, you can push the Competizione hard and feel in control—no white-knuckle moments required.

content：Toolbox & Action Guide

Immediately Actionable Checklist

1. Warm tyres to 70°C before pushing the car on track (use slow left-right movements to build heat).
2. Use Race mode for track driving to unlock the full potential of the active rear steer and traction control.
3. Check exhaust placement—the wide diffuser (enabled by edge-mounted exhausts) is key to downforce.
4. Start with CT off (traction control) to feel the car’s balance before turning off ESC entirely.

Advanced Resource Recommendations

• Autocar’s Ferrari Video Series: Watch Troy’s full test and other Ferrari reviews for deeper insights into the brand’s extreme GTs.
• Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2 RS: Learn more about the tyres that make the Competizione’s grip possible (ideal for track days but requires careful temperature management).

content：Conclusion & Engagement

The Ferrari 812 Competizione is a perfect blend of raw power and modern engineering. It’s visceral, fast, and exciting—but unlike the F12 TDF, it’s a car you can drive hard without feeling overwhelmed.

Which part of Troy’s test resonated most with you? Was it the aero details, the V12’s roar, or the comparison to the TDF? Share your thoughts in the comments below—we’d love to hear from you!