Racing

American LeMans Character

Prior to the season finale at Laguna Seca, team owner Guiseppi Risi had every reason to be confident at the prospect of another victory. Team Risi drivers Mika Salo and Jaime Melo were already 22 points ahead of the closest competitor in the standings. With a Laguna Seca track that favored the cornering agility of Ferrari over the straight acceleration of the competitors, Risi could have chosen to play it safe, order Melo and Salo to maintain a point lead and bring home a championship.

But true racers like Guiseppi Risi don't always think this way.

Driving at or near the limit, Salo and Melo motored to first place with the Rosso Corsa No. 62 Ferrari F430GT, simultaneously clinching the Drivers Championship for themselves, the Manufacturers Championship for Ferrari and the Team Championship for Risi Competizione.

Risi and company return to defend their title at the season opener, the 56th Twelve Hours of Sebring Saturday, March 15. This is one of the most prestigious racing events in the U. S. Dedicated Ferrari fans will remember this was the race where Ferrari nudged out Porsche the final turn to capture the glory. Give attendance at this event a high priority and follow the action all season and online at the American LeMans Series and Risi Competizione Web sites.