By finishing in third and fourth places in the LMGTE Pro category today, Ferrari claimed its 3rd consecutive FIA World Endurance crown.
The manufacturers' title reflects a very successful season for Ferrari and the Italian AF Corse team, and the crucial difference came in June when the No.51 F458 won the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. The double points for that round, coupled with three further wins, meant that in Bahrain Gimmi Bruni and Toni Vilander wrapped up the World Endurance Cup for GT Drivers while the Amato Ferrari-run AF Corse squad took the team’s title for a third consecutive year.
“It’s a fantastic result,” commented Antonello Coletta, head of Ferrari's Sporting Activity Department, immediately after the race, having come to Brazil to support the team in this decisive round.
“It’s the third world title in a row for Ferrari in the WEC. Reliability, a great effort from the drivers along with great teamwork came together as the key to this umpteenth success, which demonstrates that Ferrari is at the very top in the GT class. Today, we raced in difficult situations, we had a puncture and there were also a few strategy problems for the 51 car. But in the end we got the points we needed to take the title. It’s a job well done, taking all three titles. For now we can enjoy this splendid victory and as from tomorrow, we can start looking to next season.”
AF Corse Team Principal added: “It has been a very tough season but we are champions and it feels fantastic. The whole team deserve a big cheer and our drivers were fantastic. The competition has been very high level with a lot of pressure but we did it and we must thank all our partners and of course Ferrari for their great support. We will be back to defend the titles next year and we look forward to racing again in this fantastic Championship.”
Fiona Miller (quote from Ferrari Corse Clienti)
Photo: Roberto Viva, Ferrari
