Ferrari has announced the driver line-up for the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) hypercar class with two 499Ps. Former F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi has been announced. Giovinazzi will also continue as Scuderia Ferrari’s reserve driver.
Ferrari announced its driver line-up for the 2023 WEC with two hypercars, the 499P, at the Finali Mondiali in Imola.
The drivers chosen to bring the Prancing Horse back to the top of the world championships represent a unique combination of talent and experience, speed and stamina, the essential qualities of endurance racing.
Antonio Giovinazzi will lose Alfa Romeo’s F1 seat at the end of 2021. He was Scuderia Ferrari’s reserve driver for 2022 and was on the running list for the Haas F1 team in 2023, but failed to secure a seat.
“The selection of our crew has allowed us to complete the last steps of our program before our debut at Sebring,” said Antonello Coletta, head of Ferrari GT Sporting Activities.
“Since the first shakedown of the 499P in July, we have been working non-stop with the Ferrari family of drivers. It also relates to continued growth: we are very clear about what we can ask of them in terms of development and consistency, as well as speed.”
499P (Car number 50)
The three drivers, Antonio Fuco, Miguel Molina and Niklas Nielsen, proudly wear the number 50, chosen to mark the number of years since Ferrari last raced in the top endurance class. get in the car.
Born in 1996, Italian Antonio Fuco has quickly established himself as one of the most talented drivers in the endurance racing scene, winning the Bahrain 8 Hours with Spaniard Miguel Molina. , played a decisive role in winning the Manufacturers World Championship.
Born in 1989, Miguel Molina will bring experience and determination to his crew as he seeks to win the European Le Mans Series in 2021.
Danish Niklas Nielsen, born in 1997, has always been at the wheel of the Prancing Horse in the Ferrari Challenge since 2018 after becoming world champion in the LMP2 Pro-Am class.
Antonio Foco
“Ferrari’s return to the top of the World Endurance Championship after 50 years is historic and it is a great pleasure for me to be part of this programme. But I am very motivated to do a great job.Personally I am looking forward to this new programme, which is special for me who have witnessed its birth and development.We are working hard on the tests. I am looking forward to racing at Sebring.”
Miguel Molina
“I am honored to have this opportunity. I would like to thank Ferrari for believing in me. Racing in the top class of FIAWEC is one of the most important sporting achievements of my career. Top of the World Championship. I am happy to represent Ferrari in such a momentous year, 50 years since my last race in the class.Words cannot describe how I feel.This goal is the pinnacle of my career and one I have pursued for a long time. It’s a dream that came
Niklas Nielsen
“It’s hard to describe how I feel right now. I raced for Ferrari for the first time in 2017 and am now in the Hypercar programme. The first six drivers to drive the 499P in its debut season of the World Endurance Championship. It’s incredible to be one of the drivers.I’m so proud and happy with the support and trust that Ferrari, Antonello and Amato Ferrari have shown me.It’s been an amazing journey so far. I hope it continues for a long time.I can’t wait to start working with my teammates.Driving a hypercar is a big step forward for my career.”
499P (number 51)
Alessandro Pia Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi share the number 51 most successful car in Ferrari history. Italian Alessandro Pier Guidi (born 1983), who won the LMGTE Pro class for the second year in a row (and 3rd overall), and British James Calado (born 1989) are two top-class winners. Aim for the laurel.
The partnership is now in its sixth season at the World Championships and boasts an unparalleled list of victories. No one has won the LMGTEPro class twice in a row. 11 wins and 23 podiums from 39 starts.
Antonio Giovinazzi joins them. Giovinazzi, who has been with Scuderia Ferrari since 2017, will continue as a reserve driver for 2023.
Alessandro Pier Guidi
“I am very proud to have been selected as one of the six drivers to race a hypercar. I’m proud of it, but the 499P is one step further.We race for Ferrari and the expectations are high.We have a big season ahead of us, but we are well prepared. Sebring will have to test for the first race soon, but the real level will be revealed at the European races.”
James Calado
“I am happy to participate in the Le Mans Hypercar Project. Winning the overall race and fighting for the championship in Ferrari colors is a dream come true. I know its potential and we will continue to work together as a team and give it our all for everyone involved.I would like to thank Ferrari and especially Antonello for giving us this opportunity.”
Antonio Giovinazzi
“The debut of 499P will be a defining moment in Prancing Horse history. It is a great honor for me to be a part of this extraordinary moment. We know we have a great responsibility to respond with humility. But we are aware of our strengths and ready for this big challenge.”
Category: F1 / Antonio Giovinazzi / Ferrari / 24 Hours of Le Mans / WEC (FIA World Endurance Championship)