Ferrari closed the first round of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship with a third place in the Hypercar class courtesy of Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen, and a seventh at the 1000 Miles of Sebring with Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi.
Miguel Molina, 499P #50 driver: “It was a challenging race, as we expected, but ultimately, we made it onto the podium and enjoyed some big thrills. Crossing the finish line with the two Hypercars was an excellent achievement for the entire team, which has worked intensively over recent months. We know we have room for improvement, which we will address with humility and determination”.
Antonio Giovinazzi, 499P #51 driver: “I am happy with our result as a team with the number 50 car's podium and the pole position. In the 51, we were a little unlucky in the prologue and during the race. We now aim to analyse all the information collected, build on the experience gained from our debut, and hope to improve from the next round at Portimão”.
Antonello Coletta, Head of Attività Sportive GT: “We surpassed the goals we had set ourselves, considering that we wanted a podium finish, and to this, we added a splendid pole position. We are happy and, at the same time, aware that we have a long way to go. In the championship, we are up against some highly experienced and quick opponents and others who have recently entered the hypercar scene, like us, but just as fast. We celebrate these results, thanking the entire team for the work carried out over the last eight months, which allowed us to race on a demanding track like Sebring with no reliability problems”.
Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of GT and Sports Race Cars: “On the eve of the race, we would have signed up for such a result, not only for a third place in the race but above all because both our cars made it to the finish line, despite an accident affecting the final position of the 51. We are pleased because we experienced no reliability problems, an essential factor in this World Endurance Championship journey”.
Amato Ferrari, team owner AF Corse: “I am delighted with the cars reliability and the performance. The pole secured on Thursday was a magical moment for us. We leave Sebring knowing we are on the right track and have a wealth of information to work with. The first race in a long series is over. We hope to continue in this vein and secure even greater rewards”.