Ferrari has tested its brand new 499P prototype at Sebring, its first test on non-European soil as it looks to prepare for the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship and the season-opening race, the 1000 Miles of Sebring.
The car has previously tested on a variety of European tracks, including Ferrari’s private test track, Fiorano, where the car had its first rollout, Portimao, Aragon, and Vallelunga. Early on its test programme, the team began testing with two cars, in order to rack up increased mileage.
The test at Sebring focused on improving the reliability of the 499P, in particular its chassis and suspension, as Sebring is renowned for its bumpy, uneven surface, made up of concrete blocks. The track has never been resurfaced since the 50s.
It also allowed the Italian manufacturer’s drivers to get to grips with the unique surface and the Hypercar, although all six are seasoned sportscar racing professionals with over two decades of WEC racing experience between them.
One of those drivers was Alessandro Pier Guidi, who will drive the No. 51 Ferrari 499P Hypercar. He drove the car during the Sebring test and was helping the team with the setup of the car. Following the test, the Italian commented: “The feedback from these two days is positive, we have gained experience that will be important at the 1000 Miles and, above all, we have been able to get precise timing references compared to our rivals. We still have a lot of work to do to improve further, but we know in which direction to do it.”
The FIA World Endurance Championship season starts on 17 March with the 1000 Miles of Sebring. Ferrari’s 499P will compete against the likes of the Peugeot 9X8, Toyota GR010, Cadillac V-LMDh, Glickenhaus 007 LMH and ByKolles Vanwall 680 in the headline Hypercar class.
