Coletta: “From Le Mans to Daytona, a hugely successful 2024 in endurance racing”

2024 has been a year of outstanding results. Ferrari’s second consecutive win in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will remain etched in the memory of many fans, with victory in the most important event of the FIA WEC coming courtesy of Fuoco, Molina and Nielsen. Teammates Pier Guidi, Calado and Giovinazzi were also on the third step of the podium, adding further lustre to the event. Furthermore, the season got off to the best possible start, with the 296 GT3’s historic win in GTD Pro class of the 24 Hours at Daytona. The series-derived car continued to improve from there, ending the year’s World Endurance Championship with two victories in the LMGT3 class. It was a year to savour, as recounted by Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti. 

How do you assess the second season in the top class of the FIA WEC? 

We achieved great results, even through we won less than we might have done. This year has seen not only an increase in the number of competitors but also an improvement in their quality, so third place in the Manufacturers’ standings and second in the Drivers’ with Fuoco, Molina, and Nielsen were really positive outcomes. We have observed the team's development, and this aspect has been particularly noticeable even during challenging times.

Ferrari reaffirmed its position at the “summit” of the 24 Hours of Le Mans…

That result was exceptional. Following our victory in the centenary edition of 2023, securing another win at Le Mans is a historic feat, this time through the crew of the 499P number 50. We also have to consider another truly remarkable aspect: from a technical perspective, we won for the second time in a row with the same vehicle, without any updates. The joy of Le Mans was twofold. I mustn’t forget to mention that the teammates from car number 51 – Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi – were also on the third step of the podium. That’s a remarkable achievement, considering that we had six drivers on the most famous and important podium in endurance racing. 

As per tradition it was a very exciting race... 

Analysing the victory as it played out on the track, it’s safe to say it was a gruelling race – a contest so tight that the first four teams to cross the finish line did so within a mere 38 seconds of one another. 

It’s a pity for the crew of the number 83 car, sporting the Giallo Modena livery, who did not finish the race at the Circuit de La Sarthe despite having been in the lead for the most laps of all, a total of 83. Even so, the crew made a remarkable comeback by clinching first place overall at COTA, a truly well-deserved result. 

In the the races of the World Endurance Championship, where did the 499P perform at its best? 

The car was very competitive in Imola, Spa, Le Mans, Austin, and also in Bahrain, although on some tracks we struggled more. We regard ourselves as the “moral” victors of the 6 Hours of Spa, where, following a remarkable comeback, we were leading the race prior to a red flag incident that put us in a bad spot. We regret the incident at Imola where, owing to a mistake by our team, we missed the chance to deliver immense joy to the fans, despite having started in first, second and third positions. 

In the FIA WEC this year, the 296 LMGT3 made its debut. How do you assess the first year? 

We have won the last two races, the 6 Hours of Fuji and the 8 Hours of Bahrain, with both 296 LMGT3s entered by the Vista AF Corse team. We are extremely pleased with the car's performance and the fact that we have attained these results with two crews that perfectly embody the essence of this class, featuring drivers who are completely aligned with the Platinum, Silver and Bronze licence categories. We have a great car, a well-prepared team, and high-level drivers, including our official drivers Davide Rigon and Alessio Rovera. 

The season started with great excitement at Daytona for the production-derived car. How significant is that, since this year also witnessed the 296 GT3 earning its 100th victory in under two seasons? 

Winning once again in America's most renowned 24-hour race, after a decade-long hiatus, filled us with pride. The triumph of the Risi Competizione 296 GT3 in the GTD Pro class, with our official drivers Rigon, Serra, Pier Guidi and Calado, came at the end of a race in which we showed our class, contending with numerous top-tier competitors. 

So the 296 GT3’s season began in the best way possible and continued positively. It’s a pity about the near-miss at the Centenary 24 Hours of Spa, due to a car stopped in the pit-lane that cost us precious seconds, ending our chances in the race when there was less than an hour left on the clock. If we had managed to secure this first place as well, we would have written an indelible page in motorsport history by triumphing in both Centenary 24 Hour races (Le Mans in 2023, Spa in 2024, Ed.). And we would have won Daytona, Le Mans and Spa in the same year – a legendary treble. 

So, the curtain comes down on a season in which Ferrari official drivers have played pivotal roles in numerous races and championships ...

They’re outstanding professionals who, besides taking our cars to the track, represent the Ferrari brand on a global level. The relationship that binds us to our official drivers is special. We are pleased with their work and the results we achieved together, as is clear with our decision to retain the six drivers who will compete in the official 499Ps next year. 

As the season draws to a close, it is only fitting to also acknowledge all the other drivers who have played a pivotal role alongside us in endurance racing: Rovera is quickly establishing himself as one of our key drivers, while Rigon and Serra’s experience helped them battle hard and secure impressive results. Our younger drivers are clearly also growing: Wadoux thanks to her experience in the Japanese SuperGT, a competitive championship featuring races with bespoke tyres; and Neubauer has had the chance to compete against top-tier opponents in the GT World Challenge Europe. The last season brought us numerous prestigious titles, including the Endurance Cup Pro with drivers Rovera and Pier Guidi, and through Team AF Corse – Francorchamps Motors. 

What is the biggest regret of the season? 

Two come to mind. The near-miss at the 24 Hours of Spa, and the conclusion of the 6 Hours of Imola in the World Endurance Championship, where we started first, second and third in front of an incredible crowd. Unfortunately, we made a mistake in choosing when to return to the pits for the tyre change, and we paid for it. I am sure, though, that this team has always learnt from its mistakes and will return to the track even stronger. 

Among the evolving programmes, the Ferrari Hyperclub stands out, offering clients unique experiences...

In line with our dedication to racing with the 499P, we have developed supplementary initiatives, such as the Ferrari Hyperclub, which offers an exceptional experience during the 24 Hours of Le Mans, hosted within Casa Ferrari. This marvellous facility is strategically located within the circuit, at the last braking zone just before the main straight. From here, our clients have been able to cheer on and applaud the champions. At Le Mans, for the second consecutive year, we built a village entirely dedicated to our clients, with an even more organised approach than in 2023. There are many activities that we are planning for our clients for the future as well. 

What will be the goals for 2025? 

To build on the positive results of this year, trying to win the Manufacturers’ World Championship and maintaining our competitiveness across all major endurance classics. Looking to the future, I want to take this opportunity to thank all our partners who are so key to our success in endurance racing activities, the sponsors who give us such essential support. We promise to repay these efforts by taking to the track, once again in 2025, fighting for more historic achievements.