Latest news with #Ferrari499P
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Ferrari Sweeps Podium in Historic Qatar FIA WEC Season Opener
Read the full story on Backfire News Ferrari opened the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship in dominant fashion, securing a historic one-two-three finish at the 1812 KM of Qatar, the first round of the season. The victory marked a milestone moment for the Prancing Horse, as the team delivered a flawless performance under the floodlights of Lusail International Circuit. The No. 50 Ferrari 499P, driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, led the charge to victory, finishing ahead of the No. 83 AF Corse Ferrari piloted by Yifei Ye, Robert Kubica, and Phil Hanson. Rounding out the podium was the No. 51 Ferrari, featuring Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi. Ferrari's weekend dominance was evident from the start, with Giovinazzi securing pole position and Pier Guidi setting the fastest lap of the race. Throughout the grueling 10-hour contest, Ferrari maintained control at the front, showcasing the 499P's speed, tire management, and strategic execution. Despite two mid-race drive-through penalties, the No. 51 crew executed a remarkable recovery, securing third place and contributing to Ferrari's first endurance racing podium sweep in 53 years. The last time Ferrari locked out the top three in a premier endurance event was in 1972 at the 1000 KM of Österreichring. With the victory, Ferrari now holds 66 points in the manufacturers' standings, benefiting from revised FIA WEC regulations that allow both official entries to score points. The independent AF Corse team also celebrated success, topping the FIA World Cup for Hypercar Teams. As the season progresses, Ferrari's commanding performance in Qatar sets the tone for what could be another championship-defining year in endurance racing.
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Zhou returns to Ferrari in reserve role
Zhou Guanyu has rejoined Ferrari as one of its reserve drivers, following his departure from Sauber at the end of the 2024 season. The Chinese driver was originally part of the Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015-18, before moving to Renault's setup and eventually getting his chance to race in Formula 1 with Sauber under the Alfa Romeo brand in 2022. After three years with the team, Zhou and teammate Valtteri Bottas were replaced at the end of last season, and both have now landed prominent reserve roles. With Bottas heading back to Mercedes as a reserve driver this year, Zhou takes up a similar position at Ferrari. Zhou will carry out duties alongside existing reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi (pictured at right, above, with Zhou), as the Italian also continues to race in the World Endurance Championship in the Ferrari 499P. Zhou rejoins Ferrari with a record of 16 points to his name from 68 grand prix starts, with his final top-10 result coming in last year's Qatar Grand Prix as he scored Stake's only points of the season with an eighth-place finish. Of the five drivers to lose their race seats at the end of 2024 — Zhou, Bottas, Franco Colapinto, Kevin Magnussen and Sergio Perez — three now have confirmed reserve roles as Colapinto has joined Alpine as a reserve. Magnussen is expected to fulfill a similar position at Haas but has yet to finalize the exact terms of his agreement as he will also compete in both IMSA and WEC for BMW this season, while Perez says he will take some time out before announcing any future plans. Story originally appeared on Racer
