What are the main stages of the design process?
The first phase is research. When working out the signature characteristics of the Daytona SP3, our main reference was the unique construction layout of classic competition cars, where the cabin looks like a bubble, set harmoniously into a sinuous, sculptural form. Once the cornerstones of the design are in place, and we have the technical-aerodynamic principles and dimensions from the technical departments, we can start to consider styling elements.
There can be a lot of radical and visionary ideas at this stage, and a lot of sketching by hand. Drawing is still considered hugely important in Ferrari, and the fluid, intuitive representation of ideas is the foundation of all our designs. There is a direct connection between brain and hand that is vital, especially when designers are beginning their creative process. When the best ideas have been singled out, we move on to advanced graphics software.