Risi Competizione Pleased with Daytona Roar Test Days

62 Risi Ferrari

The Risi Competizione two-car team used the Roar Before the 24 test days to get both Ferrari 488s prepared for the upcoming Rolex 24 At Daytona race, January 25-28.

Italian Alessandro Pier Guidi piloted the No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTLM entry all weekend and was happy with the progress made with the team to get the Prancing Horse race ready for the twice-around-the-clock endurance race. Toni Vilander and James Calado will co-drive with Pier Guidi for the race and all are Ferrari factory GT drivers.

The No. 82 Risi Competizione Ferrari 488 GTD entry tested the full slate of drivers this weekend. Ferrari factory driver Miguel Molina, a Daytona novice, led the trio of Ricardo Perez, Martin Fuentes, and Santiago Creel through the paces over the three-day test with positive progress.

Rick Mayer, Risi Competizione Race Engineer:

"We had a very productive test. We only brought one driver for the No. 62 Ferrari so we could get continuous work done. The other drivers know the track well, and all have a common driving style, so it wasn't a big deal. We tried several things that were on our to-do list. We found some things that worked and some things that didn't, and I think we're going to have a good car for the race. Once the other drivers get in the car hopefully they'll like the setup."

Alessandro Pier Guidi, driver, No. 62 Ferrari 488 GTLM:

"I think we had a good weekend. I was alone (solo driver), but I think we did all the things we planned and the car looks good. I think we are prepared for the race. We did many tests with different set ups and we collected a lot of data that we can analyze over the next couple of weeks and we'll work with the best start possible for the race. We are in good shape. We missed a bit of top speed compared to the other manufacturers, but let's see if they (IMSA) change something (with balance of performance) because we also struggled a lot to overtake the GTD cars. We are pretty slow in terms of speed, not lap time, so we will see. I think this is the only tweaking point that I see at the moment. For the rest, the team did perfectly, and I was happy to work with them again. I already knew a lot about the team from working together at Petit Le Mans last year so that was good."

No. 82 Risi Competizione drivers (L to R): Martin Fuentes, Ricardo Perez and Miguel Molina

Miguel Molina, driver, No. 82 Ferrari 488 GTD:

"I think it was really good to be here for the test because, personally for me, it was my first time here at Daytona, so it was good to have some mileage here. It was a productive test here with the teammates and engineers so in that respect it was good. Looking ahead to the race, it looks promising. We have a really good car that's consistent and easy to drive and that's the most important thing for a 24-hour race. We still have some work to do, but I think we have a good chance to have a good race."

Martin Fuentes, driver, No. 82 Ferrari 488 GTD:

"I think it was a very positive weekend. With all these new elements at play: new car, new teammates, it was a good, positive weekend. We found out a lot of information about the car and obviously Miguel knows a lot about the car, that's helping Ricardo, Santiago and myself as it is the first time we are driving this car. We've come out of this weekend with a lot of good information and a lot of homework, for sure. I'm looking forward to the race and I think we are going to be in really good shape."

Ricardo Perez de Lara, driver, No. 82 Ferrari 488 GTD:

"I felt very comfortable in the car and was happy to be able to do consistent lap times throughout the whole run and up to the speed that we all needed to post. The 24-hour race will not be easy but these test days were very productive in preparing us all."

Santiago Creel, driver, No. 82 Ferrari 488 GTD:

"It was a productive test weekend. I worked with my coach and was able to get faster every time I drove the car so that was the main goal. I will take all that I learned and continue to work to be well prepared for the race."