“We could put you in the Scuderia, the 575 or the 599,” says Ferrari’s Jason Harris looking across at the pit lane and its neat sloping line of Italian sports cars.

As far as no-lose dilemmas go, the decision as to which car will provide my first Ferrari experience, is pretty much unbeatable.

Jason pauses, takes a bite from the pre-drive buffet and gives a decision-signifying nod.

“It should be the 599. That’s the car which is most representative of where Ferrari is right now, and besides, if you’ve never driven a Ferrari, starting out with a 599 on the track is quite a way to lose your virginity.”

I couldn’t agree more.

Power and history

Auto Trader had been invited to test some of the cars now available through the Ferrari Approved scheme which sees each model undergo a 199-point test before going on sale to drivers, many of whom will be buying their first Ferrari this way.

And following a run-through of the testing process at Graypaul Ferrari dealership, in Nottingham, we are bussed to nearby Rockingham racetrack for a clutch of laps, first with a professional driver at the wheel and then taking the controls under his tuition.

And while I had been lucky enough to drive many great cars this is my first first-hand experience of arguably the most enigmatic of automotive dynasties.

Just the Ferrari 599 GTB Foriano name is loaded with power and history.

0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds

The 599 comes from the displacement of the V12 engine divided by ten, Gran Turismo Berlinetta and finally the racetrack Ferrari uses to hone the performance of both its track and road cars.

A top speed which exceeds 200mph and a 0-62mph time of 3.7 seconds ensures the performance lives up the billing.

To be honest, I would have been perfectly happy whichever car Jason had invited me to test but the idea of breaking my duck with Top Gear’s 2006 Supercar of the Year sounded like a great place to start…and looked it too.

The 599 combines iconic Ferrari appeal with a contemporary look which has received a universal thumbs-up from aficionados and motoring journalists alike.

Lowering myself into the passenger seat ready for the first lap is a moment to savour with the jet-style air vents atop the raised Ferrari lettering, the dash-mounted badge and the prancing horse in the middle of the steering wheel each underlining this is a very special car.

Enzo-derived engine

It’s a view which is only reinforced as my instructor, Rob, identifies the track’s turning points to the breathtaking soundtrack of the Enzo-derived engine.

And after a couple of laps it’s my turn.

I adjust my seating position, am hooked up to the audio which accompanies the in-car, video of my first drive (link to video in player) and am instructed to push the engine start button that brings the 620bhp engine back to life.

Does it feel like a special moment? If not, it’ll certainly do until one comes along.

I edge the car forwards and even at a pit-exiting dawdle am jerked back by the speed of the paddle-operated six-speed gearbox.

“You’ll pretty much just need third and fourth gear,” says Rob allowing me to concentrate on my line while appreciating the car’s ability to slither through corners and instantaneously summon up power for acceleration on the straights.

Like taking a Derby winner for a canter

At one point I spy the taillights of another Ferrari and unconsciously lock on before a gentle admonition from Rob for “letting my competitive streak take over”.

You’d have to be a saint for it not to.

And as I become bolder I realise more and more that I am employing only a small fraction of the car’s incredible abilities.

It feels a bit like taking a Derby winner for a canter, though despite the awesome power housed within the Ferrari 599’s Pininfarina-designed beauty it doesn’t intimidate.

It’s very easy to drive and it soon becomes apparent you don’t have to be a great driver to have a great time in a 599.

Real-world winner

We’re on a tight schedule and after a few laps I return to the pits exhilarated and happy in the knowledge I will be reunited with the car and a route map for the drive back to the dealership.

And it is in this real world environment that the car exceeds my expectations by the greatest margin.

The traffic is awful and the track seems a world away as I embark on a sixty-minute metal procession back to the Nottingham dealership.

However, this unlikely scenario really gives the car’s liveable side the opportunity to impress with its combination of ride comfort and interior quality ensuring the journey is still a pleasure – even without the track thrills.

As I hand over the keys I’m happy to have broken my Ferrari duck, for my expectations to have been met and exceeded – and I can’t wait for my next time behind the wheel.

Key facts

Model tested: Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano
On the road price: £193,234
Date tested: October 2009
Road tester: Adrian Higgins