Antonio Giovinazzi, Ferrari 499P driver: “Ready to take on this huge challenge”

Antonio Giovinazzi will make his debut in the premier category of the World ChampionshipEndurance in Sebring (Florida), March 17.

The Italian was confirmed this Tuesday January 10 as driver of the Ferrari 499P n°51 alongside Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado.

Far from being a surprise for the former pilot Alfa Romeo en Formula 1, because Antonello Coletta mentioned his name as early as November 2021. 

ALSO READ > Antonello Coletta: “It will be normal to consider Giovinazzi for the Hypercar”

« The debut of the 499P will be a defining moment in the history of the Prancing Horse, and it will be a great honor for me to be part of this extraordinary moment, declares Antonio Giovinazzi about this new adventure after an unsuccessful season in Formula E.

We know that we have a great responsibility to assume with great humility, but we are aware of our strength and ready to take on this enormous challenge. »

Run like a horse, sting like a bee 🐝
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At the time of a new life, at the time of the storm 🐝🔴#FerrariHypercar #WEC #Ferrari499P pic.twitter.com/9v4C4hKtqi

- Antonio Giovinazzi (@Anto_Giovinazzi) January 10, 2023

Coletta: “The last stage of the program before Sebring”

A time mentioned in Haas et Alpine for a possible return to Formula 1, Antonio Giovinazzi will thus participate in his second 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 29-year-old driver discovered the Le Mans classic in 2018 with AF Corse. It was in the GTE Pro category alongside Toni Vilander and Pipo Derani. This time he will be supported by Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado, reigning GTE Pro champions.

« I am very proud to have been chosen as one of the six drivers of the Hypercar, a car whose importance – also historical – is very clear to us, welcomes Pier Guidi. Driving an official Ferrari makes you proud, but the 499P is a step further. Expectations are high, especially since we are racing for Ferrari.

We have a big season ahead of us, but I am preparing intensely to be ready. Sebring will arrive very quickly, but we still have tests to do to be ready for the first race, although our real level will become apparent with the European races. »

The second car, number 50, will be driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen.

« With the selection of crews, we have completed the last stage of the program before our debut at Sebring, explains Antonello Coletta, director of Ferrari's GT sporting activities.

Since the first shakedown of the 499P in July, we have worked tirelessly involving drivers from the Ferrari family.

The decision regarding the drivers we chose is linked not only to the races we will compete in, but also to the growth that will continue during the championship.

We are very clear about what we can ask of them in terms of development and consistency, not just speed. »

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