Nico Rosberg gets to grips with the Ferrari 488 Pista at the Paul Ricard Circuit

When you put a high-flying supercar together with a professional driver, the result can only be extraordinary. This is exactly what happened when Nico Rosberg took the controls of one of Maranello’s most radical recent creations, the Ferrari 488 Pista. The most sporting version of the 488 GTB was unveiled at the 2018 Geneva Motor Show, promising aerodynamics capable of outclassing the greatest supercars, but the former Formula 1 champion wanted to get behind the wheel of the Prancing Horse and lap the Paul Ricard Circuit and see what the Pista is capable of when you unleash its full potential.

It is true that Ferrari now has two new additions to its lineup: the F8 Tributo and the SF90 Stradale. But, despite the presence of these supercars, the Pista remains a benchmark in its segment and, until the souped-up version of the F8 arrives, this model will keep the title of being one of the fastest and most radical Ferrari models of all time.

Without a doubt, the combination of the 488 Pista, the Paul Ricard Circuit and Nico Rosberg is simply perfect. Let us remember that the French track is made up of countless fast corners and hairpins, which force its visitors to give everything on the track, since any mistake at high speed can prove unforgivable.

Even so, the skill and experience of the former German driver are more than enough to handle both the circuit and the Ferrari 488 Pista. In the video we can see how the Italian car’s rear tries to follow its own path on more than one occasion, but Rosberg manages to correct and stay on the line through every wobble of the supercar.

Beneath the bodywork of the 488 Pista lies a powerful 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 engine capable of delivering 720 CV and 770 Nm of torque, figures sent directly to the rear axle. Letting all that power run free could prove fatal for almost any mortal, but Nico Rosberg knows how to keep the situation under control, as the footage proves.

https://youtu.be/7z0mD-RFNSE

It is true that Rosberg’s racing days are over, but it is always emotional to see a former driver take the controls of a supercar of the calibre of the Ferrari 488 Pista. It is true that this is not a race, but the fun and entertainment are guaranteed, although everything would be amplified if we could sit behind the wheel.