With less than a month to go until its race debut at the 1000 Miles of Sebring, the Ferrari 499P underwent two days of testing last week at the Autodromo di Monza, the circuit set to host the fifth round of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship this coming July.
At the wheel of the Maranello-based manufacturer’s Le Mans Hypercar were the six drivers who will take part in the top class of the World Championship: Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen, the trio making up the crew of the 499P #50; and Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi, who will share the cockpit of the #51.
“Testing our Hypercar on a historic track such as Monza, less than a month from its debut, is a valuable opportunity to continue fine-tuning the car. We’re satisfied with the work done, even if each test highlights those details that still need to be understood and resolved ahead of the official competitions, commented Miguel Molina. The Italian track is a good benchmark both in terms of performance, considering the high speeds that can be reached, as well as the overall balance, given that it includes two turns that demand very hard braking.”
The 499P returned to Monza after last October’s initial test in the days leading up to the official presentation of the car at the Ferrari Finali Mondiali.
New Ferrari 296 Challenge Spotted Testing At Monza
The 2024 Ferrari 296 Challenge, the replacement for the Ferrari 488 Challenge, as the stalwart of Ferrari’s global one-make racing programmes was spotted in testing last week by DSC’s man in Monza Fausto Mathei.
A pair of the new cars were testing alongside a current 488 Challenge, presumed to be for data comparison purposes, the new car testing on the same days as the single 499P referred to above.
VistaJet Added To Hypercar Sponsors
Global business aviation company VistaJet, already involved in the FIA WEC via its Founder and Chairman, Thomas Flohr and his GTE AM programme has added backing for the Ferrari factory Hypercar programme to the company’s now five-year partnership with the Ferrari F1 team.
VistaJet’s Founder and Chairman, Thomas Flohr said: “I am incredibly proud to continue supporting the most iconic and successful racing company in the world. Innovation, technology and a focus on efficiency are core values we are glad to share with Ferrari. Racing has not only been a passion of mine for many years, but many of our clients’ too. I have experienced first-hand the demands and intensity of racing required to consistently deliver a winning performance. VistaJet is excited to be able to support all Ferrari drivers, from Formula One to WEC and GT races, to get where they need to be, safely and in optimum condition and time so they can focus on what is the most important, the competition and performance on track.”
All Ferrari drivers participating in international GT races and in the Prancing Horse mono-brand championship Ferrari Challenge continue to have access to a Members’ fleet of over 360 aircraft.
Ferrari’s CEO, Benedetto Vigna said: “We are pleased to renew our partnership with VistaJet as its attention to detail and tailor-made approach to meeting its clients’ needs is a perfect fit for us. With the Formula 1 team about to embark on a season featuring 23 Grands Prix, and our 499P programme making its debut on the endurance racing scene, time management is fundamental. The partnership with VistaJet means team personnel can fly to airports very close to the race venues and benefit from personalised take-off slots, an important factor that can translate into a competitive edge on track. ”
All pics except bottom – Fausto Mathei, Bottom pic – Ferrari
