24h Le Mans
Though some constructors have decided to modify their cars to make them compliant with the new LM GTE regulations in effect since January 1st, Ferrari decided to design a new car, the 488, to replace the aging 458, which the Risi Competizione team will enter in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.
Unlike Porsche and Chevrolet Corvette, Ferrari itself is not directly entered in GT, preferring to trust private teams. AF Corse represents the Italian manufacturer in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and in the European Le Mans Series, and Risi Competizione does so across the Atlantic in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, new name of the TUDOR United SportsCar Championship.
The 488 wasn't ready in time for the Roar Before the Rolex 24, officials tests of the Rolex 24 at Daytona, opening round of the American championship season, and it will be during the free practice sessions that it will hit the track for the very first time. It was nonetheless ready to be tweaked before taking off for Florida, as evidenced by the photos posted on the Facebook page of the Houston, Texas-based Ferrari dealership owned by Giuseppe Risi.
Fans will have to wait until January 28th to see the lovely red Italian car in action at the first free practice session of the Rolex 24 at Daytona with its two main drivers, Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander, two-time class winners at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, supported by Davide Rigon, and Olivier Beretta who has six class wins at Le Mans to his credit.
Cécile Bonardel / ACO - Translation by Nikki Ehrhardt / ACO
