Ferrari aims for podium with 499P as 2026 FIA WEC opener'

*This content was translated by AI.

Ferrari will begin its 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season schedule, starting with a six-hour endurance race at the Imola Enzo E Dino Ferrari International Circuit in Italy on the 19th.

Ferrari, which won the integrated championship in the manufacturer and driver categories last season, will defend the title by putting in 499P, which has been reorganized during the off-season. The competition features the simultaneous prologue test and opening match in Imola following the postponement of the Qatar race.Ferrari - AF Corset teams maintain the same driver lineup for the fourth year in a row, sending out 499P for 50 and 51. Vehicle 50 will be driven by Antonio Puoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen, who contributed to achieving the 2025 manufacturer's championship, while vehicle 51 will be headed by current drivers world champions Alessandro Pierre Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovanni.

Private team AF Corset's 83rd vehicle is driven by Efei Ye, Phil Hanson and Robert Kubitsa, who have a history of winning the Le Mans 24:00 and the Hypercar Team World Cup title in 2025.Ferrari underwent 499P recertification at a new U.S.-based wind tunnel laboratory ahead of this season, resulting in some aerodynamic modifications. In addition, a new tire introduced by Michelin will be applied and optimization work will be carried out through this actual stage.

The Imola circuit, where the race will be held, features a high-rise car and a technical corner composition, and Ferrari recorded both pole position and victory here last year. Starting with the prologue on the 14th, the practice run on the 17th, the preliminary round on the 18th, and the final match will be held at 1 p.m. on the 19th (8 p.m. Korean time).

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*This content was translated by AI.