Mystery bits of tape on road race Ferrari Bonnet?
Mystery bits of tape on road race Ferrari Bonnet?
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Discussion

DippedHeadlights

Original Poster:

425 posts

233 months

Monday 14th October 2024
quotequote all
This has me stumped, need the PH brain. I was at the Targa Florio recreation in Sicily last week. A bunch of newish, mostly German registered, Ferraris were being driven around the course in spirited fashion as part of the "Ferrari Tribute". A couple of the cars had little bit of what appeared to be carefully applied and folded electrical tape on the bonnet. It wasn't all the cars so not related to advertising or timekeeping. Also not in the same place on different cars. Scratching my head. Does anyone have any idea what it is for?



Stick Legs

8,924 posts

194 months

Monday 14th October 2024
quotequote all
It could be sighting marks to help the driver place the corners of the car.

Looking from the driver's seat (LHD) where they are could correspond to the corners.

thegreenhell

23,884 posts

248 months

Monday 14th October 2024
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It appears to be aligned with the centre of the front wheel, in which case it's most likely a timing aid for the rally where they have to cross a timing line at an exact time.

M1C

2,241 posts

140 months

Monday 14th October 2024
quotequote all
thegreenhell said:
It appears to be aligned with the centre of the front wheel, in which case it's most likely a timing aid for the rally where they have to cross a timing line at an exact time.
I think that is the answer.

DippedHeadlights

Original Poster:

425 posts

233 months

Monday 14th October 2024
quotequote all
I don't think it can be timing, most other cars had no tape on them. The timing was being done with a rubber strip on the road and a bloke with a clipboard. Sighting lines are possible, the roads in Sicily are incredibly tight, narrow, and a lot of potholes, but they didn't look to be in the right place!

Stick Legs

8,924 posts

194 months

Monday 14th October 2024
quotequote all
“Ha ha ha, hey Gunther, I haff a gut idea!”

“Fass that Hans?”

“Lets put little strips of tape on ze Ferrari.
Zose guys over at Pistonheads will go crazy trying to vurk out what it is!”

:both;

“Hahaha!”

DippedHeadlights

Original Poster:

425 posts

233 months

Monday 14th October 2024
quotequote all
Anyone else any ideas - or have you seen them anywhere else? Many of the same cars were at the Ferrari Tribute at the Miglia a couple of years ago and I didn't notice them then.

Riley Blue

23,205 posts

255 months

Tuesday 15th October 2024
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Sighting marks for refuelling perhaps?

Krikkit

27,938 posts

210 months

Tuesday 15th October 2024
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Stick Legs said:
It could be sighting marks to help the driver place the corners of the car.

Looking from the driver's seat (LHD) where they are could correspond to the corners.
This imho, definitely nothing to do with timing.

andy43

13,188 posts

283 months

Tuesday 15th October 2024
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They’re part of the Atelier Electrical Contractor Pack. £9,000 I think.
I’d have gone with the Italian colour scheme though, not the Brazilian option.

Decky_Q

2,084 posts

206 months

Tuesday 15th October 2024
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Could it be a cheap way for scrutineers to show they have checked the exhaust db? If a car sounds loud and you've checked it put a sticker on it to say it's been below the limit? Standard cars didnt get it cause they are obv ok?

Geertsen

1,903 posts

88 months

Tuesday 15th October 2024
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This brings back bad memories! Last year I stuck some electrical tape on my car and forgot a small piece for about 3 weeks (it was white on white). When I came to remove it the clear coat came off with it irked.

ps. My money is on crossing the line on time too. Car #9 has it JUST at the point where the tyre would activate the timing strip on the road. I’m probably wrong though smile