{"id":11444,"date":"2011-03-10T18:40:14","date_gmt":"2011-03-10T23:40:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/?p=11444"},"modified":"2011-03-10T18:40:14","modified_gmt":"2011-03-10T23:40:14","slug":"sebring-debut-of-f458-italia-gt-for-risi-competizione","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/alms\/sebring-debut-of-f458-italia-gt-for-risi-competizione\/","title":{"rendered":"Sebring Debut of F458 Italia GT for Risi Competizione"},"content":{"rendered":"

Dawn of a new era<\/strong><\/p>\n

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When Ferrari racing stalwart, Risi Competizione, lines up on the grid for next weekend\u2019s 59th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, it will be ushering in the dawn of a new era in Ferrari\u2019s GT history with the racing debut of the all new Ferrari 458 Italia GT.<\/p>\n

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The Championship-winning, Houston-based, endurance specialist is introducing the F458 to international sports car competition, and its traditional \u2018Rosso Red\u2019 car will be one of four examples of the latest Michelotto-developed model at the mid Florida track.\u00a0 Supported once again by Pennzoil and Motorola, the No. 062 Risi entry will be in the extremely experienced and capable hands of long-time Ferrari drivers Jaime Melo and Toni Vilander, joined for endurance events by the super-successful and popular Mika Salo.<\/p>\n

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The new F458<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The all-new F458 follows in the great traditions of Ferrari\u2019s Gran Turismo vehicles.\u00a0\u00a0 Beautiful to look at, the mid-engined V8 produces 465 bhp (with regulated air restrictors), similar in output to the F430, but almost every other area of the car is different to its predecessor.\u00a0 From a driver\u2019s point of view, the main areas of development are the handling, gearbox and traction control \u2013 all of which make the car easier to drive.<\/p>\n

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The car is a lot stiffer in terms of set up and suspension with approximately 50% less movement or roll than the F430.\u00a0 The gearbox is significantly revised and gear changes up and down the box can be selected far more quickly.\u00a0 Although not featured for Sebring, the GTE regulations permit a paddle-shift mechanism which may be introduced later in the season.\u00a0 A great deal of work has also been done by Michelotto on the traction control system which will allow drivers to pinpoint the directionality of the car through corners.<\/p>\n

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The challenge ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Risi Competizione\u2019s Founder and Team Principal, Giuseppe Risi, is enthusiastic about the new season and his team\u2019s involvement with the Ferrari 458 Italia GT from the start of its competition career.<\/p>\n

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\u201cThis new car offers a great opportunity for us to show what, I believe, we do best at Risi Competizione,\u201d he says, \u201cwhich is to technologically develop our cars to race and win GT events at the highest level of competition.\u00a0 I am confident that our total race car preparation will be better than our competitors, and that will allow us to concentrate our efforts on the areas of development and evolution that new race cars inevitably present.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Risi continues: \u201cWe will be concentrating on just one car this season, and will be making a run for the GT Championship.\u00a0\u00a0 We are under no illusions that the 12 Hours of Sebring \u2013 traditionally a happy hunting ground for us \u2013 will be a severe test as the F458 is short on testing time and the track is punishing.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be a true test for the car and for us, although racing is a challenge in itself at any level.\u00a0 I\u2019m completely confident, however, that our guys are up to it.\u201d<\/p>\n

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About Risi Competizione<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Risi Competizione is a Houston-based Ferrari racing team lead by Managing Director Giuseppe Risi. Official team sponsors include Motorola, Boardwalk Auto Group, Ferrari Financial Services and Ferrari of Houston.<\/p>\n

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RISI COMPETIZIONE DRIVER QUOTES AND DETAILS:<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Jaime Melo, Risi Competizione Ferrari No. 062<\/p>\n

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Nationality:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Brazilian<\/p>\n

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Birthdate:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 April 24, 1980<\/p>\n

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Residence:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Rome, Italy<\/p>\n

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Notes:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 An open-wheel champion in F3000; switched to sportscars in 2004 and has not stopped winning since.\u00a0 Official Ferrari GT development driver, together with Vilander.\u00a0 2006 FIA GT Champion with AF Corse, 2007 ALMS GT2 Drivers Champion.\u00a0 44 ALMS starts, 17 wins, 17 pole positions;\u00a0 Winner of 2007 12 Hours Sebring with closest winning margin in race\u2019s history, 2008 24 Hours Le Mans and Petit Le Mans, 2nd 2009 ALMS Drivers Championship, winner 2009 Sebring 12 Hrs, 24 Hours Le Mans and Petit Le Mans GT2 winner, 2010 Sebring .<\/p>\n

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On the Ferrari 458 (Melo has completed more test miles than any other driver):\u00a0 \u00a0\u201cAt the official Sebring test we had some electronic issues but that was good as we saw the areas which needed improvement for the race.\u00a0 After we left the States we tested in Italy at Vallelunga and Imola and the car was much, much better and everything was working well.\u00a0 I\u2019m pretty confident for Sebring but at the same time we need to be really careful regarding the durability and mechanics of the car.\u00a0 The F458 is fast and well balanced but we need to work on making it easier to drive on the bumps which is something we will do next week.\u00a0 There\u2019s lots more to understand on the car, but we\u2019re learning every time we go out.\u201d<\/p>\n

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On his approach to the 12 Hours of Sebring:\u00a0 \u201cOur aim on the test days will be to put as many laps as possible on the car.\u00a0 I really trust the Risi team and am very excited to see what our team can do with the F458, especially over the bumps not just at Sebring but at other North American tracks. We need to be consistent and in testing put as much pressure on the car as possible to see where problems will arise. At the same time, during the race our aim will be to not put too much pressure on mechanical parts so we get to the finish.\u201d<\/p>\n

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On the 2011 ALMS season:\u00a0 \u201cThe atmosphere in the team is great at the moment and everyone wants to show again that we can win – not just at Sebring but at many races during the Championship.\u00a0 I obviously know Mika very well, and have raced with Toni twice before at Spa 24 Hour events in Belgium so I think we\u2019ve got everything needed to make it good.\u00a0 Our target will be to score maximum points, and we just need to keep calm to achieve that goal.\u201d<\/p>\n

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On the GT competition:\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cNo one has really shown their hand yet so it\u2019s difficult to say who, if anyone, will be dominant but I think everyone there will be strong.\u00a0 As we saw at the end of last year, BMW was really strong and Corvette as well, and Porsche is always there.\u00a0 Every team and company wants to win this Championship because America is such an important market. The entry list for Sebring is pretty impressive – teams, manufacturers and drivers.\u00a0 Hopefully this year, with the new car, we will have something more than the others, but it\u2019s too early to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Mika Salo, Risi Competizione Ferrari No. 61<\/p>\n

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Nationality:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Finnish<\/p>\n

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Birthdate:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 November 30, 1966<\/p>\n

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Residence:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Monte Carlo, Monaco<\/p>\n

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Notes:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Former F1 driver with 111 Grand Prix starts, including 6 races for Scuderia Ferrari, and one of the most accomplished road racers in the world. After illustrious career in formula cars, including Champ Car, started in sportscars in 2003. 2007 ALMS GT2 Driver Champion and winner of 12 Hours Sebring, 2008 24 Hours Le Mans and Petit Le Mans GT2 winner, 2009 Sebring 12 Hrs, 24 Hours Le Mans and Petit Le Mans GT2 winner.\u00a0 35 ALMS starts, 15 wins, 3 pole positions.<\/p>\n

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On his return to Sebring and the ALMS:\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m really looking forward to being back with Risi \u2013 the best GT team in the world in my opinion.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been training hard over the winter, and am lighter than I\u2019ve been since my F1 days so can\u2019t wait to get back in the car.\u00a0 I\u2019m very happy to be driving with Jaime again – we work well together \u2013 and it will be fun driving with Toni too.\u201d<\/p>\n

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On the F458 and race prospects:\u00a0 \u201cI haven\u2019t driven the F458 yet so am looking forward to testing at the weekend.\u00a0 I\u2019ve been talking to Jaime about the car over the winter and following the tests they\u2019ve done and it sounds as though it\u2019s better than the F430 in a lot of ways.\u00a0 Nowhere is better than Sebring to test and race a car; if it lasts there it will last anywhere.\u00a0\u00a0 With such a huge field of course it will make it more difficult and we will have to spend as much time looking in the mirrors as ahead of us.\u201d<\/p>\n

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Toni Vilander, Risi Competizione Ferrari No. 62<\/p>\n

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Nationality:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0Finnish<\/p>\n

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Birthdate:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 July 25, 1980<\/p>\n

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Residence:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Kankaanpaa, Finland<\/p>\n

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Notes:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 GT cars have been where Vilander has come of age, improving year on year.\u00a0 Coming from single seaters into 2005 Italian GT championship, won GT2 class in rookie year and went on to win GT1 title in following year.\u00a0 Two FIA GT(2) championships have followed with AF Corse (07 with Muller, 08 with Bruni), and runner up in 09.\u00a0 Blossomed as team leader with Fisichella and Alesi in 2010 Le Mans Series \u2013 runners up. 7 ALMS starts, 3 top 3 finishes, 2 pole positions.<\/p>\n

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On the introduction of the F458:\u00a0\u00a0 \u201cI\u2019m looking forward to returning to the American Le Mans Series with Risi and to racing again, this time with the F458.\u00a0 It\u2019s going to be hard, for sure, and a very difficult race because it\u2019s a new car and there\u2019s a huge field.\u00a0 The weather conditions in Italy haven\u2019t been good for testing over the winter so there\u2019s been quite a limited amount done; we\u2019re lacking track time.\u00a0 I\u2019m confident though about the car\u2019s performance and there will be lots for us to discover about it during race week \u2013 much more than in a regular test.\u201d<\/p>\n

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On the Sebring track, at which Vilander will be taking his first start:\u00a0 \u201cThe profile of the track is very nice and interesting but I don\u2019t understand why Turns 1 and 17 need to be so bumpy!\u00a0 It\u2019s probably part of the track\u2019s racing history but why not resurface it?\u00a0 I enjoyed driving it during the official winter test and think I got familiar with it quite quickly but we\u2019ll have to see what our performance will be like next week. After testing there, I know already a few changes I will make while I\u2019m driving, and that will make it easier as we approach race week.\u201d<\/p>\n

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RISI COMPETIZIONE SEBRING HISTORY (F430 GT)<\/strong><\/p>\n

<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Year<\/strong><\/td>\nDrivers<\/strong><\/td>\nQual<\/strong><\/td>\nTime<\/strong><\/td>\nResult (GT2)<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2006<\/td>\nKelleners, Lazarro, Melo<\/td>\n2nd<\/sup><\/td>\n2:03.608<\/td>\n3rd<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2007<\/td>\nMelo, Mowlem, Salo<\/td>\n1st<\/sup> (started last)<\/td>\n2:02.439<\/td>\n1st<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2008<\/td>\nBruni, Melo, Salo<\/td>\n1st<\/sup><\/td>\n2:01.184<\/td>\nDNF (accident)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2009<\/td>\nKaffer, Melo, Salo<\/td>\n2nd<\/sup> (started last)<\/td>\n2:03.829<\/td>\n1st<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
2010<\/td>\nBruni, Kaffer, Melo<\/td>\n3rd<\/sup><\/td>\n2:01.236<\/td>\n1st<\/sup><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

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\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In 2007, No. 62 started last because of a tire change prior to the race start. IMSA<\/p>\n

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rules require a move to the rear of the grid if using different tires to those on which the car qualified.<\/p>\n

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\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 In 2009, No. 62 started last because driver Jaime Melo did not arrive at track in time to participate in official night practice.<\/p>\n

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\u00b7\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Jaime Melo set fastest race lap in 2006 and 2008.<\/p>\n

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\u00a9 RIF | Risi Competizion-Miller Comunications<\/em><\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dawn of a new era   When Ferrari racing stalwart, Risi Competizione, lines up on the grid for next weekend\u2019s 59th running of the Mobil 1 Twelve Hours of Sebring, it will be ushering in the dawn of a new era in Ferrari\u2019s GT history with the racing debut of the all new Ferrari 458 …<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0},"categories":[9],"tags":[5264,5334,2922,2921,108,103,104,5281,1750,1044],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11444"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=11444"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11444\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":11445,"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/11444\/revisions\/11445"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=11444"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=11444"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.racinginfocus.com\/rif\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=11444"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}