In the run-up to the 6 Hours of Imola, round two of the FIA WEC 2024, the city in Emilia-Romagna hosted the “Lorenzo Bandini” Trophy ceremony. The 31st special edition of the award was presented to Antonello Coletta, Ferrari Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, in recognition of the Prancing Horse’s prestigious accomplishments in international endurance racing, including its victory at the 2023 Centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans.
During the evening at Palazzo Sersanti, the City of Imola and the “Trofeo Lorenzo Bandini” Association awarded special prizes to key figures in the programme that involves the Maranello manufacturer in the top class of the World Endurance Championship.
Coming on stage to the applause of those present, Ferdinando Cannizzo, Ferrari’s Head of Endurance Race Cars, received the “City of Faenza” Prize, while Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi were awarded the “City of Lugo” Prize for their 2023 Le Mans victory. Last, Amato Ferrari, founder of the AF Corse team, was honoured with the “Regione Emilia-Romagna” award at the event.
Antonello Coletta commented: “Receiving this prestigious trophy is a source of pride. On its return to the top class of the World Endurance Championship after half a century, Ferrari secured a memorable victory at the Centenary Le Mans and finished the season as runner-up in the Manufacturers’ standings, achieving six podiums in seven races.” Coletta added: “These were important milestones for our Ferrari – AF Corse team, now focused on the second FIA WEC world championship season where our goals are still ambitious. Collecting the award at Imola ahead of the Italian race of the championship, on a track named after Enzo and Dino Ferrari, which is hosting an FIA WEC event for the first time, provides the perfect setting to celebrate with our fans.”
The Lorenzo Bandini Award was established in 1992 to honour the memory of the Italian driver who passed away in 1967. In a career studded with motor racing triumphs, Bandini won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1963, paired with Ludovico Scarfiotti at the wheel of the Ferrari 250 P. This car was the first with a mid-rear-mounted engine to win the Le Sarthe circuit ‘marathon’, securing Ferrari’s seventh overall victory at Le Mans.