Calado on Ferrari's victory at Imola: "One of the best of my career"

James Calado is arguably the most Italian of British people. Official driver of Ferrari For more than ten years, he has enjoyed his victory at Imola on Sunday, won in front of the fans with Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi in the Ferrari 499P n°51, like never before.

“It’s one of the greatest victories of my career, enthused Calado, quoted by the official website of the World Endurance ChampionshipI'd never stood on the top step of the podium in front of the fans. It was an emotional and incredible feeling. I'm so proud that we finally managed to get back to winning ways after so long, and to do it here, at home, no less."

This victory is all the more significant as it is the first victory won by Ferrari in a sports prototype on home soil since the 1000 km of Monza in 1973, where Brian Redman and Jacky Ickx won with the 312PB. For the trio of Giovinazzi, Pier Guidi and Calado, this success is also the first since the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2023

“We’ve been chasing this victory for a long time, and we definitely deserve it,” added Alessandro Pier Guidi. “For one reason or another, we’ve often been close to success, but never quite achieved it. Since my victory at Le Mans in 2023, I’ve been missing the top step of the podium, but I wasn’t worried. I always focus on the end goal, not individual results. If I had to choose one race to get back to the top, it would be Imola. There’s nothing better than securing a victory in front of our fans.”

« The satisfaction is immense, underlined Antonello Coletta, Ferrari's global director of endurance and customer programs. After our hat-trick in Qatar, Imola confirmed the effectiveness of our winter development work. I congratulate the entire team for their excellent work. This is undoubtedly a highlight for us, but we cannot relax: there are six rounds left to go, including the biggest challenge of all, Le Mans..."

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