The Ferrari AF Corse Hypercar drivers have mirrored on what might have been after a disappointing end result of their dwelling race on the 6 Hours of Imola. The Italian workforce headed into the second spherical of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) with excessive hopes however in the end left Imola empty handed.
The Scuderia began sturdy. They topped all three practise periods earlier than placing on a dominant show in qualifying, the place all three Ferrari 499Ps locked out the highest three positions on the grid. Within the race, the tempo was sturdy till the rain got here. Ferrari ran a special technique to Toyota Gazoo Racing, who pitted as quickly because the rain got here to change to moist tyres. Ferrari continued on slicks, a seemingly masterful transfer because the rain wasn’t notably heavy and confined to 1 space of the observe. Nonetheless, after a couple of laps, their braveness failed they usually switched to wets too late, handing the benefit to Toyota who in the end went on to win the race.
One of many driver workforce within the #51 automobile, Alessandro Pier Guidi was understandably annoyed. “Sadly, we’re commenting on a ultimate end result that doesn’t replicate the potential of our automobiles” Pier Guidi mentioned. “Ending off the rostrum in entrance of the various followers who supported us right here at Imola is disappointing. We made a superb begin and managed the primary half of the race effectively. We perceive the character of motorsport, the place pleasure can generally swiftly flip into disappointment. So, we go away Imola conscious of our potential and recognise the necessity to proceed enhancing. We’re already waiting for the subsequent occasion at Spa in Might, aiming to attain a powerful end result.“
Nicklas Nielsen, one of many drivers for the pole-sitting #50 automobile, was equally dissatisfied, saying “The race confirmed promise at first, with a powerful tempo within the opening hours. Nonetheless, the climate modified, and we couldn’t end the 6 Hours of Imola as we’d appreciated. On the finish of the day, we will’t be completely glad. We’ll goal to collect beneficial insights from this race to enhance our efficiency and return decided to do our greatest as of the subsequent race at Spa.”
The #50 automobile within the palms of Antonio Fuoco delivered a stellar efficiency after the pit technique error performed out. Fuoco managed to combat his means again as much as 4th, delivering the quickest lap of the race on lap 203 out of 205. In contrast to Toyota, who managed to safe victory regardless of not having the quickest automobile, Ferrari now have to work on maximising the potential and never throwing a end result away because of strategic errors.
Antonello Coletta, World Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, gave an sincere appraisal of the weekend. “When the rain got here, the race was affected by the error of not various the methods amongst our three automobiles that had led as much as that time” he admitted. “The frustration is compounded by the remorse of not delivering the deserved pleasure to the various followers who got here to Imola and as soon as once more confirmed their immense affection for Ferrari and their ardour for our involvement within the high endurance class.”
Final phrase goes to Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Endurance Race Automobiles. “We all know that the Ferrari 499P’s efficiency on slick tyres is great in damp observe situations, and even within the moist at first, it was fairly good, so we tried to increase the lead over our opponents. Nonetheless, ultimately, misjudging the climate forecast, we made a late name that compromised the general end result.” Nonetheless, he stays optimistic. “Within the finale, nonetheless, the quantity 50 499P delivered an excellent stint in moist observe situations with slick tyres, whereas the quantity 83 Ferrari secured a formidable class win, undoubtedly a optimistic facet of the race.“
