Sakhir podium crowns 499P’s year in FIA WEC

The last event in the 2023 FIA WEC closed with the Ferrari 499P number 50 third with the crew of Fuoco-Molina-Nielsen. The number 51 Hypercar driven by Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi finished three positions further back. With the points collected at the 8 Hours of Bahrain, the Maranello manufacturer concluded the extraordinary year of its return to the top class of endurance racing after half a century by taking second place in the Manufacturers’ championship, plus third and fourth place in the Drivers’ championship, respectively with Fuoco-Molina-Nielsen and Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi.

The Sakhir track was the backdrop for the epilogue to the World Endurance Championship, with the Prancing Horse looking to confirm its runner-up spot in the Manufacturers’ championship and to defend this prestigious position with its own drivers. The Ferrari – AF Corse team achieved both goals with its performance in the evocative setting of a race held mainly at night, under the floodlights of a track inaugurated in 2004.

The Ferraris made an excellent start, with the 499Ps number 50 and 51 setting off from the third row. They were in second and third by the first turn, with Molina and Pier Guidi behind the wheel in the early laps. In the middle phase, the red-liveried Hypercars were always near the top of the standings. Although they performed to their full available potential, they were unable to enter the contest for victory. The team’s strategies and efficient pit stops gave the 499Ps a positive end to the world championship season. At the finish line, Fuoco was 1:36.286 behind the winning number 8 Toyota. Pier Guidi ended the race one lap behind.

The Ferrari – AF Corse team’s season thus went into the history books with one victory, two pole positions and six podiums. The highlight of this list was the victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi’s 499P number 51, which also made the podium at the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, finishing third. Both pole positions, at the Sebring debut and at the La Sarthe circuit, came courtesy of the number 50 crew of Fuoco-Molina-Nielsen. The trio also racked up four podium finishes: third place in the same American race and Bahrain, plus second at Portimão and Monza.