Hot on the heels of its first TUDOR United Sportscar championship GTLM victory in Road America, Risi Competizione now moves on to the scene of another great win – Virginia International Raceway. The No.62 Ferrari 458 Italia will once again be driven by Giancarlo Fisichella and Pierre Kaffer who will both be making their debut at the Danville, Virginia track and challenging for overall victory in the GTLM/GTD only race on Sunday.
“It will be quite a new feeling to race for overall victory at VIR this weekend,” said former F1 Ferrari driver Fisichella, “but of course it’s something we are all looking forward to. We don’t get this opportunity very often! It will be a bit easier for us without the PC cars, but it’s still going to be very competitive in GTLM and there are 19 GTD cars which could help us…or not. It will be a great race, and I’m sure we will be able to fight again for a podium and hopefully another win.”
Twelve months ago, North America’s most successful Ferrari GT team celebrated victory in the GT category of the ALMS at VIR, and the Houston-based team is planning to capitalize on its recent Road America win and 2nd place finish at Indy and replicate last year’s success.
The fast, scenic 3.27-mile circuit has been completed repaved and partially widened since last year’s race as part of an extensive program of improvements which took place over the winter. While the track maintains its original racing lines, it has been widened by six feet at several locations to allow easier passing following feedback from drivers and teams.
Other improvements have included moving the start/finish line to just after the pit exit, allowing better viewing for spectators as well as positioning the finish on a wider portion of the track.
Three hours of practice are available to the GTLM and GTD competitors over three sessions, but track time will be at a premium. With several very rapid corners, it can only be hoped that red flag stoppages will be kept to a minimum, and tire conservation will be critical with 17 corners to a lap.
Qualifying takes place on Saturday and the Oak Tree Grand Prix at Virginia International Raceway, VA will run on Sunday, August 24 beginning at 4:05 pm. The 2h45 minute race will be for GTLM and GTD cars only.
Fans of Risi Competizione can purchase officially branded merchandise and apparel at the ShopRisi.com site that features team partner Cinsay’s own in-house made to order, OnDemand items from t-shirts, jackets and smartphone covers to one-of-a-kind and limited number collectibles available only through the network.