This past weekend has definitely been one of the busiest for the world of Ferrari Races. While the F1 Mexican Grand Prix went down, the other side of the ocean hosted the much awaited Finali Mondiali of the Ferrari Challenge and the last ELMS race weekend of the year.
Photography: Ferrari Media Centre
The Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez wasn’t particularly nice with Scuderia Ferrari. After managing a front row lockout on the starting grid, the Prancing Horse fell victim to a game of strategy gone wrong. Sebastian Vettel, starting P2, was able to hold on to the position, while Charles Leclerc dropped to P4 after a pole start.
It’s a completely different story for the Competizioni GT division, on duty in Portimao (ELMS + Le Mans Cup) and in Mugello (Ferrari Challenge). A Ferrari 488 GT3 dominated in both the Portimao events, with the AF Corse-run #51, reigning ELMS champion, also clinching the last win of the season. It’s another Le Mans Cup in the back for Kessel Racing, running another 488 GT3 with the number #8.
A new weapon in the Competizioni GT arsenal
The beautiful and powerful 488 iterations are some of the best winning racing cars developed by Competizioni GT, and the family is about to welcome a much awaited, updated version. The Ferrari 488 GT3 EVO 2020 sees intense development in aerodynamics, vehicle dynamics, ergonomics, safety and reliability. No performance upgrades have been made to the engine, a twin-turbo V8 with a 90-degree angle between the cylinder banks, nor have any components been modified.
However, some new aero concepts have been successfully introduced after more than 18,000 hours in the wind tunnel. This has allowed the introduction of a pair of flicks to generate more downforce, making the car more stable without modifying the aero balance. Aerodynamic development also extended to other areas of the front of the 488 GT3. The vents on top the wings are larger than the current model and the front section of the door is now more tapered to more efficiently channel lateral flows. The vents on the rear wing have also been completely redesigned.
The guys in Maranello seem readier than ever to tackle the new challenges that the fast-paced technological advancement in GT racing presents. They have shown success stories in the past, and the 488 GT3 EVO 2020 promises the same for the future.Written by Aurora Dell'Agli
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