There were two brand new Ferrari 488 GT3s on hand for the Michelin GT3 Le Mans Cup Test days, a car for Ivor Dunbar (and Johnny Mowlem) for FF Corse’s effort delivered from Michelotto at the Paul Ricard circuit yesterday and a car for AF Corse pair Thomas Flohr and Francesco Castellacci.
The silver Vista Jet liveried AF Corse car was out on track throughout the first day of the test, both Pro driver Castellacci and Gentleman driver (and car owner) Flohr getting the opportunity to get time under the wheels of the 488.
“The new car is very stable, predictable and I think a little easier to drive closer to the limits than the 458,” said Flohr.
“Getting the best from the car is very often about confidence and this car is a big step forward for Ferrari. The 458 GT3 was a good car but it felt very much like the converted Ferrari Challenge csr that it actually was.
“This car though is a much purer race car, very close to the GTE car that it is based on.”
Castellacci very much agreed with the assessment of his 2016 driving partner, “It’s a very good race car, and Thomas is correct, it is a big step up from the older car, and better preparation for those drivers that might want to take a step up to GTE.
After a year with programmes both in GTE machinery (the FIA WEC with Aston Martin) and GTC (GT3) with AF Corse, Francesco is in an ideal position to make that assessment.
“I think the car will suit both Professional and Gentlemen drivers, the car is a much more capable package than the 458, it is certainly the GT3 car that is closest to its GTE sister car and that will be important I think for Ferrari and its customers.
