Ferrari's Historic Home Victory Ignites WEC Championship Dreams at Imola
Ferrari celebrated a historic home victory at the 6 Hours of Imola, marking their first world sports car race win on Italian soil since 1973. The No. 51 499P, driven by James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Alessandro Pier Guidi, triumphed in front of 65,000 passionate fans.
Formula 1 car racing at speed
This victory holds special significance as it's the team's first win since their Le Mans 24 Hours triumph in June 2023. Giovinazzi, who secured pole position, expressed his joy at winning in front of the home crowd, noting the team's persistence through near-misses in previous seasons.
The weekend sparked debate about Ferrari's advantage under the revised 2025 BoP (Balance of Performance) methodology. While rival teams initially predicted an easy Ferrari victory, the race proved more challenging than expected. Running on soft Michelin tires while others chose mediums, the Ferrari team faced strong competition from BMW, Alpine, Toyota, and Porsche throughout the event.
The victory strengthens Ferrari's championship position, with a 29-point lead in the Manufacturers' title race. The No. 51 crew now holds an 11-point advantage in the Drivers' standings, positioning them well for their championship aspirations.
James Calado emphasized the team's focus on securing the championship, stating that while Le Mans victories are remarkable, their primary goal remains winning the overall title. With the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps approaching, Ferrari aims to maintain their momentum and build on their strong start to the 2025 season.
This victory demonstrates the increasing competitiveness and importance of the World Endurance Championship, with Ferrari making the most of their opportunities in the highly contested Hypercar class.