Ferrari Formula Rossa launches as world’s fastest roller coaster
Formula Rossa at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi accelerates from 0 to 240 km/h in under five seconds, using a hydraulic launch system inspired by Formula One technology.
Ferrari has unveiled Formula Rossa, a roller coaster designed to deliver the kind of acceleration and speed usually reserved for Formula One. Set within Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Formula Rossa claims the title of world’s fastest roller coaster, reaching 240 km/h (149 mph) in less than five seconds. The ride is powered by a hydraulic winch system similar to those used to launch jet aircraft.
The launch system produces 20,800 horsepower to propel the train out of the station, subjecting riders to up to 1.7 Gs. The train covers a 2.07 kilometre circuit, with a sharpest turn of 70 degrees and a maximum height of 52 metres above ground. Each train consists of four cars, seating four passengers each, and is painted in Ferrari’s “Rosso Scuderia” to match the marque’s Formula One cars.
Formula Rossa is one of 20 main attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, the first theme park to carry the Ferrari name. The park’s other features include a canal cruise through a V12 engine, a replica of the Maranello factory, and a children’s ride through a miniature version of Italy. A second roller coaster, themed around the F430 Spider, is also planned for the site.
Engineering and design
Intamin, a Swiss manufacturer known for high-speed coasters, built the ride. The design was handled by Jack Rouse Associates, with the brief to deliver a Formula One experience in both performance and aesthetics. The cars’ bodywork, seating and colour scheme all reference Ferrari’s single-seaters, and the ride’s layout is intended to evoke the flow of a grand prix circuit.
The ride occupies 8.5 hectares (21 acres) of land, making it one of the largest single-attraction footprints for any roller coaster. The lowest point of the track sits just 1.5 metres above ground, while the highest point gives a brief view across the park before the train plunges back down at high speed.
Opening and visitor experience
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi was scheduled to open its doors on 28 October 2010, with Formula Rossa as its centrepiece. The coaster is expected to be a major draw for thrill-seekers and Ferrari enthusiasts, offering a ride experience that mimics the physical forces of a Formula One start. Riders are required to wear protective goggles due to the high speeds and potential for airborne debris.
The park’s opening marks Ferrari’s first foray into branded entertainment on this scale, following the announcement of the Abu Dhabi project and the construction of the world’s first Ferrari theme park. For more on the park’s opening, see Ferrari World Abu Dhabi Sets Opening for 28 October 2010.
