Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale test drive: I drove supercar number 00

What better place to test a future icon than the Balocco test track, owned byAlfa Romeojust outside Turin.

I had already been invited to take part in the world premiere at the Arese Museum in August 2023, where theAlfa Romeo Stradale 33 saw the light of day for the first time. And, almost two years later, I was able to test this 33: anyone with a little petrol in their blood will have goose bumps and a smile up to both ears at such an invitation!

When you stand in front of the Stradale 33, it's quite simply a work of art on 4 wheels. From the interpretation of the lights (a reinterpretation of the original 33 with its 33 LEDs), to the gullwing doors, it's a real dream. We were also allowed to visit the ongoing production at Carrozzeria Touring Superleggera, right up to the configurator test, where I was even able to configure my Alfa Romeo 33 Stradale in matte blue.

Inside, everything has been designed with the driver in mind, in typical Alfa Romeo fashion. The entertainment system with the screen can be hidden so that nothing can distract you while you're driving. The steering wheel is "just" a steering wheel, with no function other than steering. Every corner of the Alfa Romeo is fitted with high-quality materials. Everything has been carefully designed, and every mechanical button has a function.

If you get the chance, it's a dream to settle here. I was the only one who could take my personal racing helmet with me and drive with it. Alfa Romeo officials looked at me critically, as there is only one 00 model and, no replacement... 😊

When I started the 33, you could already feel the power of the engine and hear the 4-outlet exhaust system. The first few meters are in Strada mode, and I'm riding comfortably for the warm-up lap with the 630 HP. In this introductory lap around the Alfa Romeo circuit, I already notice that the chassis is well planted on the road. Gear changes are short and smooth. I love it!

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I switch to Pista mode on the second lap. The rear now reacts a little more violently, but remains predictable at all times. All the more so as the highest level, in which ESP is deactivated, is off-limits to us testers. As I've had the opportunity to take many driving courses at Balocco with my 4C and Giulia Quadrifoglio, I know every corner.

The Stradale 33 is like a board on the road, it surges forward after every bend, and the brakes brutally crush the car again before the next corner. I did several laps of the track, mile after mile, wishing I'd never get out. I didn't reach 333 km/h, which would have been possible, but as I said, there's only one 00 model and I didn't want to make history by destroying a strictly limited vehicle.

After this test drive, I would like to thank Alfa Romeo, who created an in-house design and development workshop called "Bottega" and the first project of great designers like Alessandro Maccholini, Bob Romkes and many others, and project and marketing manager Cristiano Fiorio, who created the new edition of the 33 Stradale.

As Alfistivirus / Marco Ph.L.Kehl, I am proud to say, on behalf of the 33 owners yet to make their maiden voyage, Grazie, Alfa Romeo!