AF Corse Ferrari Secures Historic Maiden WEC Victory at Thrilling Lone Star Le Mans
In a spectacular display of endurance racing prowess and strategic brilliance, the customer Ferrari squad of AF Corse, featuring the formidable trio of Robert Kubica, Robert Shwartzman, and Ye Yifei, claimed their inaugural victory in the World Endurance Championship. This landmark triumph came at the challenging Circuit of the Americas during the fiercely contested Lone Star Le Mans, where they successfully fended off intense pressure from rival manufacturers, most notably Toyota.
The six-hour endurance race, held under the demanding Texan skies, proved to be a pivotal moment for the #83 Ferrari 499P. From the outset, the AF Corse team demonstrated exceptional pace and resilience, executing a near-flawless performance that saw them rise to the occasion against formidable factory-backed Hypercar contenders.
Early Race Dynamics and Ferrari’s Ascendancy
The Lone Star Le Mans event kicked off with high expectations and palpable tension. Qualifying had placed the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P in a strong second position on the grid, with former Formula 1 star Robert Kubica behind the wheel for the initial stint. Sharing the front row with the works #51 Ferrari AF Corse 499P, driven by Antonio Giovinazzi, set the stage for an immediate intra-brand battle.
As the green flag waved, the race quickly settled into a high-speed rhythm. Kubica, leveraging his extensive experience, masterfully navigated the opening laps, maintaining a strong position. Towards the end of the first hour, demonstrating impressive skill and strategic timing, Kubica executed a decisive overtake on Antonio Giovinazzi, seizing the lead of the race. This early move proved to be a crucial turning point, establishing the #83 Ferrari at the front of the Hypercar field where it would remain a dominant force for much of the event.
Drama Unfolds: Incidents and Retirements
While the #83 Ferrari began to assert its authority, the race was far from straightforward for others, particularly for its sister car, the #51 Ferrari. Antonio Giovinazzi’s promising start was tragically cut short when he encountered the #94 Peugeot 9X8 of Stoffel Vandoorne at Turn 12. The incident resulted in a spin for Giovinazzi, bringing his Ferrari to a halt. Despite managing to limp the damaged car back to the pits, the issue proved to be terminal. The #51 Ferrari 499P was subsequently pushed into the garage with an apparent power unit problem, never to return to the track, marking a devastating early retirement for the works team.
The #94 Peugeot, also involved in the Turn 12 incident, continued its race for several hours before ultimately retiring at the four-hour mark. Paul di Resta, at the wheel, was forced to pull over at Turn 11, compounding a challenging day for the French manufacturer.
Toyota’s Campaign Hampered by Penalties and Errors
Interlagos winners Toyota Gazoo Racing entered the sixth round of the WEC season facing an uphill battle, primarily due to the latest adjustments in the Balance of Performance (BoP). These regulations aimed to level the playing field, but seemingly placed the Japanese powerhouse at a disadvantage at COTA. Their challenge was further blunted by a series of costly errors and penalties incurred by their drivers throughout the race.
The #8 Toyota GR010 – Hybrid, piloted by Sebastien Buemi, became embroiled in controversy. Buemi received a severe 30-second stop-and-go penalty, coupled with two penalty points on his license, for an “outrageous block” on Kevin Estre in the #6 Porsche 963. This aggressive maneuver caused contact between the two Hypercars, forcing the Porsche off-track at the exit of Turn 11 and simultaneously resulting in a left-rear puncture for Buemi’s own car. This incident significantly hampered the #8 Toyota’s chances, dropping them down the order and removing them from podium contention.
The #7 Toyota, a strong contender throughout, also faced its share of setbacks. Kamui Kobayashi was issued a drive-through penalty for failing to sufficiently slow down under yellow flags, a critical error that cost the team valuable track position and relinquished their lead at a crucial stage of the race. Despite a valiant late-race charge, with Kobayashi pushing relentlessly to close the gap on Shwartzman’s leading Ferrari, he ultimately fell 1.7 seconds short. Minor excursions, including running wide at Turn 18 and again at Turn 1, proved to be decisive in his inability to bridge the gap.
Podium Finishers and Key Contenders
Behind the triumphant #83 AF Corse Ferrari and the resilient #7 Toyota, the final step on the Hypercar podium was secured by another Ferrari 499P. The works #50 Ferrari AF Corse, driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, delivered a solid performance to finish in third place, 24 seconds behind the leaders. This outcome marked an exceptional day for the Ferrari contingent, showcasing the competitive strength of their 499P platform across both factory and customer teams.
The hotly contested Hypercar class saw four other cars complete the race on the lead lap, highlighting the incredible competitiveness of the WEC. The #2 Cadillac V-Series.R, shared by the skilled pairing of Earl Bamber and Alex Lynn, led this group, finishing a respectable fourth. Cadillac Racing continued to demonstrate consistent pace and reliability, solidifying their status as a front-running contender.
Alpine Endurance Team celebrated their best result of the season so far, with Paul-Loup Chatin, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Charles Milesi guiding their #35 Alpine A424 to an impressive fifth-place finish. This strong showing indicates a positive trajectory for Alpine as they continue to develop their Hypercar program.
Following closely behind the Alpine were the two Penske-run Porsches. The #6 Porsche 963, featuring Kevin Estre, Andre Lotterer, and Laurens Vanthoor, finished sixth. Their teammates in the #5 Porsche 963, Matt Campbell, Michael Christensen, and Frederic Makowiecki, secured seventh place. While these were not podium finishes, they still gathered valuable points. However, this marked their lowest finish of the year, consequently trimming their championship lead to just 12 points, reigniting the battle for the overall Hypercar title.
LMGT3 Class Highlights
The LMGT3 category also delivered exhilarating action and close racing throughout the Lone Star Le Mans. These production-based GT cars, modified for endurance competition, provided a spectacle of their own. The Heart of Racing Team’s #27 Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3, piloted by Ian James, Daniel Mancinelli, and Alex Riberas, emerged victorious in this fiercely competitive class. They held off strong challenges from the #92 Manthey Purerxcing Porsche 911 GT3 R and the #91 Manthey EMA Porsche 911 GT3 R, which secured second and third positions respectively. The LMGT3 class showcased the diverse array of manufacturers and talent present in the WEC, with Aston Martin, Porsche, McLaren, BMW, Ford, Lexus, Corvette, Lamborghini, and Ferrari all vying for supremacy.
Circuit of the Americas: A True Test of Endurance
The Circuit of the Americas, renowned for its challenging and dynamic layout, proved once again to be a true test of both machine and driver endurance. With its iconic Turn 1 elevation change, high-speed esses, and tight hairpins, COTA demands absolute precision and maximum concentration over the grueling six-hour race duration. The Texas heat and variable track conditions further added to the complexity, requiring teams to master tire management and cooling strategies. The atmosphere at COTA, a purpose-built facility designed for world-class motorsport, provided a fitting backdrop for such a momentous WEC event, drawing in passionate fans eager to witness the pinnacle of sports car racing.
Championship Implications and Future Outlook
The results from the Lone Star Le Mans have significant implications for the World Endurance Championship Hypercar title fight. AF Corse’s victory marks a critical shift, not just for the customer team but for Ferrari’s overall presence in the championship, demonstrating the immense potential of the 499P against the most experienced factory outfits. The trimming of Porsche Penske Motorsport’s championship lead to a mere 12 points has thrown the title race wide open, ensuring an enthralling conclusion to the season. With multiple teams proving capable of winning races, the remaining rounds promise to deliver even more drama and excitement as contenders vie for the coveted world championship crown.
This historic victory for AF Corse Ferrari at the Circuit of the Americas will undoubtedly be remembered as a highlight of the season. It underscores the spirit of endurance racing, where a combination of strategic planning, flawless execution, and raw driving talent can overcome even the most established rivals. The WEC continues to captivate audiences with its unparalleled competition and the relentless pursuit of perfection.
Race result
| Pos | No. | Class | Team | Car | Drivers | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 83 | Hypercar | AF Corse | Ferrari 499P | Robert Kubica/Robert Shwartzman/Yifei Ye | Ferrari 499P |
| 2 | 7 | Hypercar | Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR010 | Jose Maria Lopez/Kamui Kobayashi/Nyck de Vries | Toyota GR010 – Hybrid |
| 3 | 50 | Hypercar | Ferrari AF Corse | Ferrari 499P | Antonio Fuoco/Miguel Molina/Nicklas Nielsen | Ferrari 499P |
| 4 | 2 | Hypercar | Cadillac Racing | Cadillac V-Series.R | Earl Bamber/Alex Lynn/Alex Palou | Cadillac V-Series.R |
| 5 | 35 | Hypercar | Alpine Endurance Team | Alpine A424 | Paul-Loup Chatin/Ferdinand Habsburg/Charles Milesi | Alpine A424 |
| 6 | 6 | Hypercar | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Porsche 963 | Kevin Estre/Andre Lotterer/Laurens Vanthoor | Porsche 963 |
| 7 | 5 | Hypercar | Porsche Penske Motorsport | Porsche 963 | Matt Campbell/Michael Christensen/Frederic Makowiecki | Porsche 963 |
| 8 | 15 | Hypercar | Bmw M Team WRT | BMW M Hybrid V8 | Dries Vanthoor/Raffaele Marciello/Marco Wittmann | BMW M HYBRID V8 |
| 9 | 36 | Hypercar | Alpine Endurance Team | Alpine A424 | Nicolas Lapierre/Mick Schumacher/Matthieu Vaxiviere | Alpine A424 |
| 10 | 38 | Hypercar | Team Jota | Porsche 963 | Jenson Button/Philip Hanson/Oliver Rasmussen | Porsche 963 |
| 11 | 99 | Hypercar | Proton Competition | Porsche 963 | Harry Tincknell/Neel Jani/Julien Andlauer | Porsche 963 |
| 12 | 93 | Hypercar | Peugeot | Peugeot 9X8 | Mikkel Jensen/Nico Mueller/Jean-Eric Vergne | Peugeot 9X8 |
| 13 | 20 | Hypercar | Bmw M Team WRT | BMW M Hybrid V8 | Sheldon Van Der Linde/Robin Frijns/Rene Rast | BMW M HYBRID V8 |
| 14 | 63 | Hypercar | Lamborghini Iron Lynx | Lamborghini SC63 | Mirko Bortolotti/Edoardo Mortara/Daniil Kvyat | Lamborghini SC63 |
| 15 | 8 | Hypercar | Toyota Gazoo Racing | Toyota GR010 | Sebastien Buemi/Brendon Hartley/Ryo Hirakawa | Toyota GR010 – Hybrid |
| 16 | 27 | LMGT3 | Heart Of Racing Team | Aston Martin Vantage AMR | Ian James/Daniel Mancinelli/Alex Riberas | Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 |
| 17 | 92 | LMGT3 | Manthey Purerxcing | Porsche 911 GT3 R | Aliaksandr Malykhin/Joel Sturm/Klaus Bachler | Porsche 911 GT3 R LMGT3 |
| 18 | 91 | LMGT3 | Manthey Ema | Porsche 911 GT3 R | Yasser Shahin/Morris Schuring/Richard Lietz | Porsche 911 GT3 R LMGT3 |
| 19 | 59 | LMGT3 | United Autosports | McLaren 720S Evo | James Cottingham/Nicolas Costa/Gregoire Saucy | McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo |
| 20 | 31 | LMGT3 | Team WRT | BMW M4 | Darren Leung/Sean Gelael/Augusto Farfus | BMW M4 LMGT3 |
| 21 | 77 | LMGT3 | Proton Competition | Ford Mustang | Ryan Hardwick/Zacharie Robichon/Ben Barker | Ford Mustang LMGT3 |
| 22 | 95 | LMGT3 | United Autosports | McLaren 720S Evo | Joshua Caygill/Nicolas Pino/Marino Sato | McLaren 720S LMGT3 Evo |
| 23 | 82 | LMGT3 | TF Sport | Corvette Z06.R | Hiroshi Koizumi/Sebastien Baud/Daniel Juncadella | Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R |
| 24 | 78 | LMGT3 | Akkodis Asp Team | Lexus RC F | Arnold Robin/Timur Boguslavskiy/Kelvin Van Der Linde | Lexus RC F LMGT3 |
| 25 | 55 | LMGT3 | Vista AF Corse | Ferrari 296 | Francois Heriau/Simon Mann/Alessio Rovera | Ferrari 296 LMGT3 |
| 26 | 87 | LMGT3 | Akkodis Asp Team | Lexus RC F | Takeshi Kimura/Esteban Masson/ | Lexus RC F LMGT3 |
| 27 | 60 | LMGT3 | Iron Lynx | Lamborghini Huracan Evo2 | Claudio Schiavoni/Matteo Cressoni/Franck Perera | Lamborghini Huracan LMGT3 Evo2 |
| 28 | 85 | LMGT3 | Iron Dames | Lamborghini Huracan Evo2 | Sarah Bovy/Doriane Pin/Michelle Gatting | Lamborghini Huracan LMGT3 Evo2 |
| Not classified | ||||||
| 46 | LMGT3 | Team WRT | BMW M4 | Ahmad Al Harthy/Valentino Rossi/Maxime Martin | BMW M4 LMGT3 | |
| 88 | LMGT3 | Proton Competition | Ford Mustang | Giorgio Roda/Mikkel Pedersen/Dennis Olsen | Ford Mustang LMGT3 | |
| 12 | Hypercar | Team Jota | Porsche 963 | Will Stevens/Callum Ilott/Norman Nato | Porsche 963 | |
| 81 | LMGT3 | TF Sport | Corvette Z06.R | Tom Van Rompuy/Rui Andrade/Charlie Eastwood | Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R | |
| 94 | Hypercar | Peugeot | Peugeot 9X8 | Paul di Resta/Loic Duval/Stoffel Vandoorne | Peugeot 9X8 | |
| 777 | LMGT3 | D’Station Racing | Aston Martin Vantage AMR | Clement Mateu/Erwan Bastard/Marco Sorensen | Aston Martin Vantage AMR LMGT3 | |
| 51 | Hypercar | Ferrari AF Corse | Ferrari 499P | Alessandro Pier Guidi/James Calado/Antonio Giovinazzi | Ferrari 499P | |
| 54 | LMGT3 | Vista AF Corse | Ferrari 296 | Thomas Flohr/Francesco Castellacci/Davide Rigon | Ferrari 296 LMGT3 | |