26 Oct 06
The 599 also makes the most wonderful noise. Quiet enough at cruising speeds never to become tiresome, it responds to a determined prod of the throttle with a soulful howl. Time and again I find myself shifting down, just to hear it crescendo once more. Premiership footballers might lean towards the V8-engined F430, but a V12 Ferrari remains the purist's choice.
The paddle-shift gearchange is also the best I've experienced. Even a generation ago, these systems were disappointingly crude, but the software has now been developed to the point where I'd choose it over the manual alternative. It seems to fit the 599's comfortable yet engaging character. This Ferrari is undeniably expensive but it's difficult to think of a rival that offers such a potent mix of virtues.
We arrive in La Paz in the early evening to be met by that potent symbol of civilisation, the Burger King. After so many days on the road, it feels odd to be back in a jostling metropolis. The Ferrari caravan will rest here tomorrow and after a reception at the Italian embassy, they'll roll on to Peru.
I'm disappointed not to be joining them. The last few days have been fascinating for the things I've seen and the people I've met. Ferrari's Panamerican 20,000 is a PR stunt but that doesn't invalidate the challenge. Some of the places we've seen have a natural beauty to match anything on earth, but they don't feature in guide books and they're inaccessible to conventional tourist. To witness them was a privilege and to witness them from behind the wheel of a Ferrari made it extra special.
