Historic Ferrari Win at COTA | Ferrari's Triumph in Texas

Historic Ferrari Win at COTA: Triumph for the Prancing Horse in Texas

Ferrari made motorsport history with a stunning victory at the Lone Star Le Mans, the sixth round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). The AF Corse team, driving the Ferrari 499P number 83, piloted by Yifei Ye, Robert Shwartzman, and Robert Kubica, clinched the top spot, while the Ferrari 499P number 50, driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, secured third place. This historic win marked Ferrari’s first dual victory on the same day across two world championships, adding another illustrious chapter to the brand's legacy.

The Race: Ferrari’s Dominance and Challenges at COTA

The race at the Circuit of the Americas (COTA) in Texas was a showcase of Ferrari's strategic prowess and driving excellence. From the onset, the AF Corse Ferraris demonstrated their speed and precision, leading the race in the first 90 minutes. The Ferrari 499P number 51, starting from pole position with drivers Pier Guidi, Calado, and Giovinazzi, initially held the lead. However, a collision with a Lexus during lapping caused damage that led to the car's early retirement, a setback that underscored the unpredictable nature of endurance racing.

Despite this misfortune, the Ferrari 499P number 83 continued to excel, battling fiercely against the formidable Toyota number 7. Shwartzman’s stellar final stint in the Giallo Modena-liveried Ferrari secured the win, marking Ferrari's first overall victory at the 6 Hours of COTA and their third win in the FIA WEC Hypercar class.

Historic Dual Victory for Ferrari

Ferrari's win at COTA coincided with Scuderia Ferrari's triumph at the Formula 1 Italian Grand Prix in Monza on the same day, creating a unique moment in the brand’s history. This back-to-back victory highlights Ferrari’s commitment to excellence across multiple motorsport disciplines, reaffirming its status as a dominant force in both endurance racing and Formula 1.

Yifei Ye expressed his elation, saying, “We began the weekend in the best possible way with a strong qualifying performance, and the race itself was flawless, with no mistakes from the team or us drivers. We have finally gained payback after the unfortunate race at Le Mans. This win repays us for so much effort and gives us confidence heading into the season’s final two races.”

Looking Forward: Challenges Ahead at Fuji

While Ferrari celebrated their achievements in Texas, the team remains focused on the upcoming race at the Fuji Raceway in Japan. Antonio Fuoco, who drove a strong final stint for the third-place Ferrari 499P number 50, noted, “We secured third place, which, while leaving us with some regret as we were aiming for the top spot, still allowed us to gain valuable points for the standings. Now, we turn our focus to the next race at Fuji in a fortnight.”

The Ferrari team is aware of the challenges that lie ahead, especially on tracks like Fuji that may not ideally suit the 499P's strengths. However, the momentum from the COTA victory and the team's strategic acumen position them well to continue their championship pursuit.

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