After the official tests at the La Sarthe circuit last Sunday, the Ferrari – AF Corse team is preparing to return to the track in France for the week culminating in the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The official crews, comprising Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen in 499P number 50, and Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi in 499P number 51, will be back in action on Wednesday, 12 June. They will participate in two free practice sessions, from 2 to 5 p.m. and from 10 p.m. to midnight, interspersed with qualifying from 7 to 8 p.m. Free Practice 3 will run on Thursday 13 June, from 3 to 6 p.m., followed by the Hyperpole (8 to 8:30 p.m. for the eight fastest cars in qualifying) and a final free practice session from 10 to 11 p.m. The 24 Hours will start on Saturday 15 June at 4 p.m. (all times are local).
Here are the comments ahead of the fourth round of the FIA WEC 2024.
Antonio Fuoco, 499P #50: “Sunday’s Test Day was positive, as we completed our planned work. We aimed to cover many kilometres and begin work on the car’s setup. I believe we’ll get the most concrete benchmarks against the competition, starting from Wednesday’s free practice sessions. In the coming days, we’ll do our best, as always, in what I expect to be a very atmospheric setting. Ever since the Test Day, there have been lots of fans in the stands, many of them with red shirts and flags, cheering on Ferrari. It will be a special weekend.”
Miguel Molina, 499P #50: “On Sunday, we gathered a lot of data and information as planned in our work schedule. Now, we’re approaching the most anticipated days of the year, those leading up to the 24 Hours. Returning to the track between free practice and qualifying, we will discover our level and that of our rivals. We know this race matters more any other due to its history and prestige and because it is worth many points. We’ll do our best to achieve an excellent result.”
Nicklas Nielsen, 499P #50: “We are finally entering the most critical week of the season, and I am sure that the work we do on Wednesday and Thursday is crucial for us to perform at our best when the race starts on Saturday afternoon. There are aspects we need to improve, but overall, I am confident and aware of the quality of our 499P. Achieving a good Hyperpole result could be crucial for reducing risks at the start, given the large number of Hypercars competing at Le Mans this year and the many cars in the other two classes.”
Alessandro Pier Guidi, 499P #51: “The test day was productive, although performance-wise, it appears some competitors are currently ahead of us. In the two days between the Test Day and the start of free practice, we had time to study the data gathered and analyse areas for improvement. Looking ahead to the race weekend, one variable could be the weather, as it may rain during the 24 Hours. What does it mean to me to return to Le Mans as a champion? Winning last year was fantastic, and I feel fortunate to have triumphed with my teammates. We experienced unique emotions, but now we must focus on the future and the new challenge that awaits us in a few days, starting, as always, with the goal of showing our full potential.”
James Calado, 499P #51: “It felt great to return to Le Mans, a year after our 2023 victory, especially from the Test Day when we began familiarising ourselves with the track over the six hours of testing. We need to work and improve ahead of the Hyperpole and the race, knowing that the competition is even higher this year and several manufacturers are showing their potential. The experience we gained last year in all aspects, not just during the driving stints but also in the race preparation of the entire team, will be invaluable. The 24 Hours will be a long race where anything can happen: we will approach it with ambition and utmost focus.”
Antonio Giovinazzi, 499P #51: “We did the work we wanted to do on Sunday’s test day. Now is the time to focus on the lead-up to the race. As always, it will be a complex 24 Hours, especially as several highly ambitious competitors will be present. Le Mans has a special flavour. It will be fantastic to race in such a unique environment, as we saw in 2023. Since the Test Day, we have seen many fans in the stands and felt great support for Ferrari.”
Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Endurance e Corse Clienti: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is traditionally a very important and challenging race, where the reliability of the cars is an essential aspect. We hope to be as competitive as last year on the Sarthe track. Considering the increased number of cars and manufacturers, performing well in the Hyperpole will be crucial. Unlike other championship rounds, this session features only eight Hypercars. It will be a long race with many variables, starting with the weather. We aim to achieve the best possible result in a setting that will undoubtedly be very evocative, with many fans expected in the stands.”
Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Endurance Race Cars: “Although the memory of our splendid victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023 is still fresh, the time has come for a new challenge. After Sunday’s timings, we know we are not starting as favourites. In the free practice sessions available to us before the race, we’ll continue our work on the 499P’s setup and the best strategy for the 24 Hours. During the race, the car’s reliability and the performance of operations, avoiding any mistakes, will play a crucial role.”