With a 1-2 finish at Le Mans and 5 wins out of 8 in the FIA World Endurance Championship, The 'reds' dominated the 2012 season in the GTE Pro class. An unassailable supremacy? Maybe not...

In 2013, Porsche, Aston Martin, Corvette and Viper have each entered two works cars, something never seen previously in the class! So, to counter the resurgence of its rivals, the Scuderia is actively working on an evolution of the dominant 458 Italia.

"With two completely revised works Porsches and Aston Martins, the 2013 season promises to be much more difficult for us" Battistino Pregliasco confirmed, the sports director for AF Corse team who are officially supported by the factory. "We face them with two cars that are already entering a third year of racing. Last year, our opponents made ​​some strategic mistakes that they will not repeat. We still have the advantage of having a stable team for several years. We will enjoy in the early rounds of the FIA World Endurance Championship"

Battistino Pregliasco (centre) takes care of his champions. Before being appointed sporting director of AF Corse, he had career as a driver, including FIA GT driving a Ferrari 360 Modena;(JMB Racing). Photo Ferrari S.p.A.	Italiens Giancarlo Fisichella and Gianmaria Bruni are the leading drivers of AF Corse. Photo Ferrari S.p.A.

The main changes to the 458 Italia are  on aerodynamics, the aim being to reduce the drag generated by the body in order to save fuel and gain a bit of speed in a straight line (2 or 3 km/h). For the engine, only the electronic management has been updated.

"The car is a little different", said Battistino Pregliasco. "Ferrari made ​​only small changes, things essential to facilitate operation. Technicians have taken into account the comments of Fisichella and Bruni, including the use of tyres."

It was understood, Ferrari will not give her up easily, and as "Batti" says  "Giancarlo (Fisichella) is more motivated than ever! "

Five class wins in WEC… 2012 will be remembered as the year of Ferrari.    Photo Ferrari S.p.A.

Internet sites:
• ferrari.com
• afcorse.it
• giancarlofisichella.com
• gianmariabruni.it

Julien HERGAULT

Photo : ADRIA CIRCUIT, FERRARI PRIVATE TESTING, THURSDAY 19th DECEMBER 2012. The Ferrari 458 Italia has evolved during the winter (GT3 version in this image).