01 February 2012. Ferrari is pleased to announce that Dean Pallett, Diagnostic Technician at Graypaul Nottingham, has won the 2011 Ferrari Technician Challenge, a competition Ferrari created in 2007 to recognise the finest talents throughout the global network. It is open to any Ferrari Technician with at least five years’ experience.
Over the two day event, the finalists were rigorously tested through a series of theoretical and practical challenges in order to demonstrate their knowledge and skills of Ferrari products. The tests focused on a variety of different areas, including the current and previous model ranges, Ferrari Genuine Maintenance and Ferrari Genuine Accessories, in addition to knowledge of the history of Ferrari’s road and race cars. The event also included a driving competition which tested the finalists’ driving skills and techniques in the Ferrari California, 458 Italia and FF through a series of time trials and driving skill challenges.
Matteo Torre, Regional Manager for Ferrari North Europe, commented: “We are extremely proud of Dean’s outstanding performance at the 2011 Ferrari Technician Challenge. Competitions like this are important for Ferrari because they encourage technicians across the global dealer network to further their learning and knowledge through the many courses offered by the Ferrari Training Academy.”
Dean commented: “I was so excited when I found out that I would be competing in Maranello against the best Ferrari technicians from around the world. The competition was exciting and challenging and the whole experience was made that much better when I found out that I had won the title of Ferrari Technician of the Year!”
Dean began his career in the automotive industry as an apprentice and started as a Ferrari technician at Graypaul Nottingham in 2000. He is now the dealership’s head Diagnostic Technician. In addition, he has experience working on the Ferrari Challenge Series in 2004-2005 and currently supports the Graypaul Racing team.
Anyone interested in becoming a Ferrari Technician can apply for a Ferrari Apprenticeship. The Ferrari North Europe Apprentice Programme is open to all school leavers aged 16 or over, and includes 24 weeks of specific training at Ferrari North Europe’s head office during the 3 year programme.
Applications for the September 2012 intake of Apprentices are currently open, via www.ferrari-apprenticetraining.co.uk. Interviews with prospective candidates will begin in March 2012 for the September 2012 intake.
Ferrari Technician Challenge 2011 Results:
- 1st Place: Dean Pallett, Graypaul Nottingham – UK
- 2nd Place: Jesus Alvarez Cabello, Santogal Automoviles S.L.U. – Spain
- 3rd Place: Lionel Rousset-Bert, Gauduel Automobiles S.A. – France
- 4th Place: Agnelo Ferreira, Al Tayer Motors L.L.C – UAE
- 5th Place: Zack Bailey, Steve Harris Imports, Ltd – USA
