James Calado has described Ferrari AF Corse’s victory in last weekend’s 6 Hours of Imola as ‘one of the best wins of [his] career’, as together with team-mates Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi, the Briton soared to the summit of the FIA World Endurance Championship standings.
Following the disappointment of the curtain-raising Qatar 1812km – when the #51 Ferrari 499P Hypercar had qualified on pole position, only to see its race unravel due to a series of unfortunate errors – the crew travelled to Imola intent on making good on its early-season promise.
Giovinazzi duly set the pace in Hyperpole for the second consecutive event in 2025 – sealing the top spot on the starting grid by the commanding margin of more than three-quarters-of-a-second – and in the six-hour contest the next day, the Italian and his two stablemates produced a virtuoso performance to navigate the various incidents and interruptions while keeping their cool to seal a famous home triumph.
Not only did the result mark a second victory in as many races for Ferrari AF Corse in FIA WEC’s top class, it was also the first for the #51 trio since the 24 Hours of Le Mans almost two years ago.
“This is one of the best wins of my career,” enthused Calado. “I’d never stood on top of the podium in front of the tifosi before. It was an emotional and incredible feeling and I’m just so proud we managed to finally return to winning ways after such a long time – and to do it here at home, too.
“We made the most of our potential, showed our capabilities, had a bit of luck and executed a perfect strategy. As a team – engineers, mechanics and drivers – we did a superb job, and we dedicate this success to the tifosi.”
“We’ve been chasing this win for a long time, and without doubt we deserved it,” added Pier Guidi, alluding to the #51 car’s ill-fortune on a number of occasions while seemingly in a good place last season. “For one reason or another, we have come close several times without quite getting there.
“Since winning Le Mans (in 2023), I had missed standing on the top step of the podium, but I wasn’t worried because I always focus on the end goal rather than individual results. If I’d had to choose one race to return to the top, it would have been Imola – there’s nothing better than clinching this victory in front of our tifosi.”
Courtesy of the #50 crew’s success in Qatar and the #51’s triumph at Imola, Ferrari is firmly in control of both the Drivers’ and Manufacturers’ title battles with a quarter of the 2025 FIA WEC campaign completed. Despite that advantage, the legendary Italian marque insists now is no time to ease off the gas…
“The satisfaction is immense,” acknowledged Ferrari Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, Antonello Coletta. “After our Qatar one-two-three, Imola reaffirmed how effective our winter development work has been. My compliments to the whole team for the excellent job they did. This is undoubtedly a strong moment for us, but we can’t relax – there are six more rounds ahead, including the biggest challenge at Le Mans...”
“This result rewards all the efforts made and reflects the incredible work and determination of the entire team,” echoed Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Ferrari Endurance Race Cars. “The #51 crew delivered a flawless performance; despite the race being complex and the competition, as expected, extremely strong, we executed everything perfectly. Now, we look ahead. We are aware more tough races await, but with this spirit, I’m confident we’ll achieve further success.”
Watch every moment of the action, live or on demand, via the official FIA WEC TV app – your full-access pass to the FIA World Endurance Championship. For further information, click HERE.
