After the very disappointing start to the Formula One season, there are more cheerful events to look forward to on the racetrack for Ferrari.
Ferrari have returned to the World Endurance Championship in their new Hypercar division. This is the premier class of endurance racing and the new, revamped series looks very exciting. The Hypercar class is a joint project with the FiA and the ACO, which came into being in 2021. This season, however, is the first season where there will be significant competition within the class, with 13 entries from 7 manufacturers participating.
Unlike other racing categories where the regulations leave little room for manoeuvre, the Hypercar series is focussed on controlling performance outcome rather than prescribed technologies. This gives the manufacturers a lot more options to develop creative and innovative solutions and allows them to preserve and develop their brand identities, with a grid full of individual looking race cars.
The #50 Ferrari AF Corse, Ferrari 499P of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen in action during practice for the 1000 Miles of Sebring at the Sebring International Raceway on March 16, 2023 in Sebring, Florida. Photo by James Moy Photography / Getty Images.
The opening race of the season was at the classic 1000 miles of Sebring. The Toyota Gazoo Racing team have dominated the top class in WEC for years, recently with little competition. This year’s field, however, boasted several top marques participating, including Ferrari AF Corsa, Cadillac Racing, Peugeot TotalEnergies, Glickenhaus Racing, Porsche Penske and the slightly contentious Floyd Vanwall Racing Team entry.
Ferrari made a great start to the series by taking the first pole position of the season with #50 car driven by Antonio Fuoco. The two Toyotas took 2nd and 3rd on the grid with the #51 Ferrari completing the second row of the grid.
The #50 Ferrari AF Corse, Ferrari 499P of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen leads at the start of the 1000 Miles of Sebring at the Sebring International Raceway on March 17, 2023 in Sebring, Florida. Photo by James Moy Photography / Getty Images.
Whilst the qualifying speed was impressive, endurance racing is a very specific art which requires teams to be on top of every eventuality and it was no surprise when the very experienced Toyotas took over the first 2 places quickly, with the newer team suffering minor errors and issues.
The #50 Ferrari AF Corse, Ferrari 499P of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen in action during practice for the 1000 Miles of Sebring at the Sebring International Raceway on March 16, 2023 in Sebring, Florida. Photo by James Moy Photography / Getty Images.
The battle for third on the podium, however, turned out to be a thrilling contest with the Cadillac, the Porsches and the Ferraris all in contention.
WEC: 2023 1000 Miles of Sebring. Photo by Federation Internationale de l’Automobile.
When the chequered flag dropped, Ferrari #50 prevailed and took 3rd place in their maiden Hypercar race.
The WEC moves on to Portugal this weekend for the 6 Hour of Portimao. If you have been disappointed by the Formula One team, check out the WEC race. Not only does it have a highly competitive field, but the philosophy of the series means that there are some truly stunning racing cars to see. Not least of which is the Ferrari 499 P. This is a real endurance sportscar that looks both modern and classic. It looks like the Ferrari racing car you would imagine lining up at Le Mans and, indeed, it will! Ferrari return to World Endurance Racing in time to take part in the Centenary Le Mans 24 hours race on the weekend of 10 – 11 June. This is an event surely not to be missed.
By Clare Topic
Comments
Authorize to comment