ALMS – A 6th title for Beretta, a 3rd for Risi?

She was, undeniably, the big absentee from the 2012 ALMS. Fortunately, the Risi Competizione team did not take long to reappear in the discipline. The Houston team will field a 458 Italia made by Ferrari, its favorite brand. Winner of the GT2 category in 2006 and 2007, she will aim for a third title.
For this, it will be able to rely on the experience of Olivier Beretta, five-time ALMS GT1 / GTS champion, six category successes in 24 Hours of Le Mans, two FIA GT crowns, an overall victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona without forgetting 10 starts in Formula 1. The Monegasque, official Ferrari driver since last year, will have the young Matteo Malucelli at his side. Although only 28 years old, the native of Forli already has a solid track record in GT, with an Italian champion title in 2005, an FIA GT2 vice-champion in 2008, and two second places in GT2 at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2008 and 2009.

“With Olivier and Matteo, we are the beneficiaries of an excellent combination combining speed, youth and experience allowing us to launch an attack on the championship, underlines Team Principal Giuseppe Risi. I expect a lot from this partnership. » For a team which, in addition to its two titles, has three class victories at the 12 Hours of Sebring and two at Petit Le Mans to its name, the objective can only be the coronation at the end of the year. The third driver requested for the Florida clock tour will be known shortly. As for the two incumbents, they will be called upon next week (February 6-7) on the occasion of the Winter Test of the American Le Mans Series.