Dean Pallett, diagnostic technician at Graypaul Nottingham, part of Sytner Group, 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, said: "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."

Pallett said: "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."

He 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.