In a highly anticipated announcement, Ferrari has officially revealed the formidable crews that will be leading their charge in the upcoming 2023 season of the Hypercar class in the prestigious FIA World Endurance Championship. The Italian powerhouse made this exciting revelation during the grand unveiling of their latest masterpiece, the awe-inspiring 499P, at the illustrious Finali Mondiali event held in Imola. The selected drivers tasked with reclaiming the pinnacle of the world championship for the Prancing Horse embody a remarkable blend of skill and expertise, velocity, and endurance—indispensible attributes in the realm of endurance racing.
499P number 50. Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen have been selected as the trio of drivers who will share the responsibility of piloting the illustrious car adorned with the number 50. This symbolic number has been chosen to commemorate the significant passage of time since Ferrari's last foray into the upper echelons of the endurance world championship.
Antonio Fuoco, a rising star in the world of endurance racing, is making a name for himself with his exceptional driving skills. Born in 1996, Fuoco has quickly become recognized as one of the most talented drivers in the field. Teaming up with Miguel Molina, a skilled Spanish driver, Fuoco recently achieved a remarkable victory at the 8 Hours of Bahrain. Their outstanding performance played a crucial role in securing the Manufacturers' World Championship title, marking an impressive end to the season.
Born in 1989, Molina, the esteemed European Le Mans Series champion of 2021, is set to infuse the crew with a potent blend of experience and unwavering determination.
In a remarkable feat, Danish driver Nicklas Nielsen, born in 1997, has achieved the status of World Champion in the LMP2 Pro-Am class. His journey to this pinnacle of success has been nothing short of extraordinary, with the Ferrari Challenge playing a pivotal role in propelling him forward. Since 2018, Nielsen has consistently secured at least one continental or world championship title, showcasing his exceptional talent behind the wheel of Prancing Horse cars.
499P number 51. The team, which consists of Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, and Alessandro Pier Guidi, will split the work of racing the 51st Ferrari, one of the most successful in company history. In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Italy's Alessandro Pier Guidi and Britain's James Calado have secured their second consecutive World Championship title in the fiercely competitive LMGTE Pro class. This victory marks the third championship win of their illustrious careers, solidifying their status as true champions in the world of motorsport. Born in 1983, Pier Guidi has proven time and again that he possesses exceptional talent behind the wheel. His unwavering focus and precision have propelled him to the forefront of the racing world, earning him the respect and admiration of fans and competitors alike. Calado, born in 1989, has also demonstrated his remarkable prowess on the track. With a natural instinct for speed and a relentless drive for success, he has consistently pushed the boundaries of his abilities, cementing his place among the elite drivers of his generation. Now, these two formidable forces are preparing to embark on a new challenge: conquering the pinnacle of motorsport together. With their sights set on claiming the coveted winners' laurel in the top class, Pier Guidi and Calado are ready to push themselves to new limits and showcase their exceptional skills on the grandest stage. As they prepare to face the fierce competition that awaits them, the world eagerly anticipates witnessing the dynamic partnership between these two exceptional drivers. With their proven track record and unwavering determination, Pier Guidi and Calado are undoubtedly poised to leave an indelible mark on the world of motorsport.
In a remarkable display of dominance, this enduring partnership has entered its sixth season in the world championship with an unrivaled list of triumphs. Setting a new standard in the LMGTE Pro class, they have achieved the extraordinary feat of being crowned champions not once but twice in a row. Furthermore, their exceptional track record includes an unprecedented three laurels, a feat that no other crew has accomplished before. With their remarkable achievements in 2017, 2021, and 2022, this partnership has solidified their place in the annals of motorsport history.
The British-Italian duo's track record in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) speaks volumes, serving as a clear testament to their prowess. With an impressive tally of 11 victories and 23 podium finishes out of 39 races contested across seven seasons, their performance is nothing short of remarkable. Italian driver Antonio Giovinazzi, born in 1993, is set to provide a significant boost of speed to the pair of world champions. Giovinazzi, who made a notable impression at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2018, is now embarking on his first full-time participation in the endurance world championship. Antonio Giovinazzi, who has been a part of Scuderia Ferrari since 2017, is set to extend his tenure as a reserve driver for the team in the upcoming 2023 season.
Antonello Coletta, Head of Ferrari GT Sporting Activities: “With the choice of crews, we have completed the last step of the programme ahead of our debut at Sebring. Since the 499P’s first shakedown in July, we have worked non-stop involving the drivers of the Ferrari family. The decision regarding our chosen drivers relates not only to the races we will contest, but also to the growth that will continue during the championship. We are very clear about what we can ask of them concerning development and consistency, not just speed”.
