AF Corse USA Claims GTD Victory at Sebring in Thrilling 12-Hour Race
The #21 AF Corse USA Ferrari clinched its first GTD class victory of the season at the Sebring 12-Hour race, marking Ferrari’s 38th class win at the iconic circuit. This victory is notable as it is the first for the Evo version of the 296 GT3 and follows the team’s success at the 2022 event.
Starting from fifth position, driver Antonio Fuoco quickly ascended to the lead within just 13 minutes. As the race progressed, Simon Mann took over the car, maintaining their position until the first caution period at 45 minutes in. Dudu Barrichello of the #27 Heart of Racing Aston Martin, who started on pole, engaged in a spirited chase, eventually retaking the lead after a fierce battle with Mann.
During the fourth hour, the #21 team secured maximum Michelin Endurance Cup points, vital for their defense of last year’s GTD championship. However, a longer pit strategy temporarily dropped them to fifth and later to seventh as they awaited optimal timing.
In a turn of misfortune, Fuoco faced a drive-through penalty after a collision with the #64 Ford Mustang in GTD PRO, dropping the team to 11th place. Despite this setback, Lilou Wadoux, who drove the car after Fuoco, made a remarkable comeback, propelling the Ferrari back into contention.
With under 40 minutes remaining, Fuoco executed a daring move to close the gap to the leading Aston Martin. A late incident for Tom Gamble created an opportunity, allowing Fuoco to surge into the lead during the final laps. Expertly navigating traffic and leveraging a small mistake from Gamble, Fuoco crossed the finish line to secure victory, delivering a thrilling end to a tense race.
Post-race comments from Mann highlighted the team’s resilience amid penalties, stating, “The team did a fantastic job. To win at Sebring is a significant achievement.” Wadoux echoed his sentiments, praising Fuoco’s performance and reiterating the challenges faced during the race.
Despite facing penalties that will be reviewed, Fuoco remained focused on their overall performance, noting, “It was a chaotic race, but we never gave up until the end.”
With this win, the #21 AF Corse USA Ferrari secures second place in the GTD standings behind the #27 Aston Martin, emphasizing the importance of clean racing in upcoming events. The GTD series returns at the Acura Grand Prix of Long Beach on April 17-18.
