Ferrari Eyes Historic Clean Sweep at 8 Hours of Bahrain
As the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) season reaches its climax at the 8 Hours of Bahrain, Ferrari and AF Corse stand poised to achieve an unprecedented clean sweep, capturing all five titles. The Prancing Horse’s strong performance in the Hypercar category has been complemented by a significant resurgence in their LMGT3 program, positioning them as genuine contenders in this season’s finale.
Currently, the Ferrari 296 LMGT3, piloted by Alessio Rovera, Simon Mann, and François Heriau, is in a fierce battle for the LMGT3 title. They trail the #92 Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche 911 GT3 R by just 11 points, with their fate firmly in their hands heading into Bahrain.
Rovera, aiming for his third FIA WEC championship title, reflects on his journey. “When I joined AF Corse in 2021, everything changed,” he stated, highlighting the pivotal moment that led to his contract with Ferrari. With a recent multi-year extension, Rovera has embraced the responsibilities of being a Ferrari driver, acknowledging the balance between speed and brand ambassadorship.
His experience spans multiple disciplines, having successfully raced in both LMP2 and GT classes this season. “Each car requires a different driving style, but I now feel at home in both,” Rovera explained. Last season, he notched championship victories in both LMP2 Pro/Am and GT World Challenge Europe, showcasing his adaptability.
Despite a competitive season, the trio of Rovera, Mann, and Heriau has faced challenges, including crucial retirements and missed opportunities that have prevented a more commanding title chase. Notably, contact during the lead at Imola cost them a potential victory.
As they prepare for Bahrain, Rovera stresses the need for focus. “We can’t get distracted by the points; we must maximize our performance,” he advised. The team’s consistency, marked by a win at Spa and strong showings at Le Mans and Fuji, has kept them in contention despite setbacks.
Looking ahead, Rovera has ambitions beyond the WEC, expressing a desire to compete in the IMSA Pro class and set his sights on winning the iconic 24 Hours of Spa, a title that has eluded him in recent years. He remains a crucial part of Ferrari’s future, having contributed to the development of their Hypercar program and serving as the reserve driver this season.
The 8 Hours of Bahrain promises to be a defining moment for Ferrari, with the team aiming not only for the championship but also to cement their legacy in endurance racing. The event kicks off on Saturday, marking the end of a thrilling season.
