The upcoming season for Ferrari in Gran Turismo (closed-wheel) competitions will probably be an fascinating testing floor for mechanics and drivers unfold throughout many collection world wide. The 296 GT3 (learn the devoted focus) may have reached its third “season” by then, and sure its final, as its up to date model is anticipated to enter service in 2026, as introduced by Davide Rigon, the official driver for the Maranello model.
The “authentic” model thus far has been nothing in need of spectacular by way of the variety of victories it has achieved in simply two years of monitor exercise, securing its one centesimal victory at Sepang final weekend through the 4 Hours of the Asian Le Mans Sequence (which was concluded with three Ferraris on the rostrum).
Antonello Coletta, International Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti, commented on the achievement: “The outcome obtained at Sepang fills us with delight and certifies the standard of this challenge. We recorded the one centesimal race victory with the 296 GT3, together with the success within the LMGT3 specification, lower than two years after its aggressive debut. Throughout this era, we managed to attain extraordinary outcomes such because the wins on the Daytona 24 Hours this yr, and on the Nürburgring 24 Hours, the primary in Ferrari’s historical past, in 2023.”
“I congratulate the drivers,” continued Antonello Coletta, “together with our official Daniel Serra and the Automobile Man staff for serving to obtain this one centesimal success within the context of a aggressive championship just like the ALMS, making an already sensible 2024 season finale much more memorable, contemplating the latest titles gained in Jeddah within the GT WC Europe and the 2 first-place finishes within the FIA WEC at Fuji and Bahrain through the season that noticed this automobile debut on the world stage.”
A automobile that has proven the potential and pace to turn into the perfect GT3 in circulation, with extra seasons nonetheless to be written. Now, nevertheless, consideration should even be targeted on what the Prancing Horse will supply within the coming months. In reality, motion will already happen this weekend at Yas Marina through the annual Gulf 12 Hours, a race already gained by the veteran 488 GT3. The AF Corse staff may even be current within the Asian endurance collection, accompanied by six different groups bringing the 296 to the monitor.
Within the winter season, many take a look at periods are additionally deliberate, going down at tracks world wide, the place Ferrari’s official drivers will probably be concerned. Subsequent season may even require affirmation within the WEC, a bittersweet championship in 2024. Certainly, in direction of the tip of the season, AF Corse technicians appear to have made a big efficiency leap, bringing residence wins on the 6 Hours of Fuji and the 8 Hours of Bahrain.
If the progress is confirmed subsequent season, we are going to lastly witness a 296 that’s full in each side, able to being quick whatever the situations it faces, which implies tires (starting from Pirelli within the GT World Problem to GoodYear within the WEC), drivers (from professionals to amateurs), climate situations, and varieties of tracks and surfaces—primarily the aim of all producers in GT3. The 296 GT3 additionally excels in relation to setting its tempo in clear air, usually when within the lead of the race, managing to distance itself from opponents with ease.
Quite a bit additionally will depend on the staff and its information of the automobile, its potential to handle and tune the car, which is essential if one needs to win European and world championships. For the upcoming season, Coletta has introduced the intention to take part within the Intercontinental GT Problem, which additionally contains the Bathurst 12 Hours, gained by the 488 GT3 in 2017.
The aim can be to take part with a factory-based crew, just like the 24 Hours of Daytona, including one other “piece” to the report of a automobile that has already significantly impressed. It’ll even be fascinating to see what Ferrari decides concerning its official drivers. This season, the skilled drivers concerned in essentially the most prestigious races are Davide Rigon, Daniel Serra, Antonio Fuoco, Alessio Rovera, James Calado, Alessandro PierGuidi, Miguel Molina, Nicklas Nielsen, Lilou Wadoux, and Thomas Neubauer. Andrea Bertolini follows as Improvement Driver, Berretta, Vilander, and Giancarlo Fisichella (who starred with Scuderia Baldini in profitable the Italian Gran Turismo Endurance Championship) are Ambassador Drivers.
There are additionally loads of new names prepared to hitch, corresponding to Arthur Leclerc, Charles’ brother, who raced alongside Giancarlo Fisichella and Tommaso Mosca within the CIGT Endurance, occurring to win it at Monza with a panoramic race, and who accomplished the Rookie Take a look at on the finish of the yr on the 499P through the WEC exams in Bahrain for younger drivers.
At the moment, Arthur holds the position of Improvement Driver for the Scuderia, given the “hole” left by Robert Shwartzman’s departure, as he left Ferrari to hitch Prema in Indycar. We’ll see what new developments the Maranello staff has in retailer for us this winter, contemplating the numerous weight the upcoming season will carry.
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