An introduction to AF Corse-Waltrip's Brazilian line-up
Located on the outskirts of the huge city of Sao Paulo, the Autodromo José Carlos Pace 4.3 km long circuit is a physical challenge for prototype drivers, and their necks in particular, because it runs anti-clockwise unlike the majority of other tracks in the world. This isn’t such an issue for GT drivers in their closed cars, but the high altitude and low air density affects everyone and knowing how to deal with it is vital.
AF Corse-Waltrip plans to gain an advantage over their LMGTE Am rivals by fielding an all-Brazilian line up with a huge amount of local knowledge in their No.61 Ferrari 458 Italia. The ‘pro’ is former Arrows F1 and FIA GT1 driver, Enrique Bernoldi, the 33-year-old having raced at Interlagos in almost every category in which he’s competed. His time in the Sumo Power Nissan GT cars will be invaluable in helping him deal with the close attentions of his rivals and the traffic.
He will be joined by Chico Longo, an entrepreneur in the luxury car market and official importer of Ferrari and Maserati to Brazil. A multiple endurance Champion at Sao Paulo, Longo has competed in GT3, GT1 and International GT Open championships and is the current leader of the Brazilian Endurance Series in a Ferrari 458 GT3. He will be right at home at Interlagos!
The third link in the AF Corse-Waltrip chain is Xandy Negrão, a successful entrepreneur in the pharmaceutical industry. He has been four time vice-champion in the Brazilian Stock Car Championship (similar to NASCAR), and is also a double Brazilian GT3 Champion. Negrão and his son, Alexandre, are also two time winners in the Brazilian Endurance series with cars ranging from Audi to Lamborghini to Aston Martin. His versatility and experience will no doubt stand him in good stead for the FIA World Endurance Championship’s 6 Hours of Sao Paulo.
Fiona Miller
PHOTO: SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT (SILVERSTONE, NORTHAMPTONSHIRE, UK), 6 HOURS OF SILVERSTONE, 26TH AUGUST 2012. The AF Corse-Waltrip No.61 LMGTE Am entry.