MILAN, Oct 25 (Reuters) - Ferrari is tapping

into crypto markets and tech-rich youngsters with a planned new

digital token that its wealthiest fans will be able to use in an

auction for a Ferrari 499P, the endurance car that won three

straight Le Mans titles.

The plan for now is limited in scope and is an effort by the

Italian sports car maker to tap into a trend among luxury brands

seeking access to the growing wealth of younger tech

entrepreneurs, as AI and data centres drive investment and

markets around the world.

It comes after Ferrari, which is also developing its

first electric car, began accepting Bitcoin, ethereum and USDC

for car purchases in the United States in 2023 and extended the

service to Europe last year.

Ferrari is working with Italian fintech Conio to launch the

'Token Ferrari 499P' for members of its Hyperclub - which groups

100 of its most exclusive clients, with a passion for endurance

races - to trade amongst themselves and bid on the racing model.

It is set to debut with the start of the 2027 World

Endurance Championship season.

"This is about strengthening the sense of belonging among

our most loyal customers," Chief Marketing and Commercial

Officer Enrico Galliera told Reuters.

With prominent backers including U.S. President Donald

Trump, crypto prices have surged, but regulators warn loose

oversight and speculative trading creates risks for investors

and financial stability. Bitcoin is up 60% in the last year.

The token will still take time to become a reality. Conio is

applying for a licence under the European Union's new crypto

regulation, but sees room for growth.

"The potential for development is enormous," said Conio's

Chief Fintech Strategist and project architect Davide Rallo.