Kaffer Rejoins Risi for 24H Le Mans

Photo: Risi Competizione

Pierre Kaffer has been confirmed as Risi Competizione’s third driver for the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June, joining full-season drivers Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander.

The 40-year-old German will return to the Houston, Texas-based team for his 11th attempt at the twice-around-the-clock endurance classic, eight years after taking the class win with Risi.

The remainder of Kaffer’s schedule this season focuses on the Pirelli World Challenge with Magnus Racing as well as Audi factory duties in the 24-hour races at Spa and Nürburgring.

“Returning to drive a Ferrari for Giuseppe and the Risi Competizione team at Le Mans is an honor,” said Kaffer.

“We won together in 2009 at Le Mans with Jamie [Melo] and Mika [Salo] in a Ferrari 430 GT, and we had success in 2014 and 2015.

“I am very comfortable with the team and know all the guys so it will be very good to back with my old team. I’m looking forward to it.”

Risi returns to Le Mans aiming to go one better than it managed last year, when it only managed second following a controversial late-race battle with Ford Chip Ganassi Racing.

Team Owner Giuseppe Risi is confident in Kaffer’s abilities driving alongside Fisichella and Vilander.

“Pierre Kaffer will be our third driver for Le Mans this year,” he said.

“He’s an excellent match because he has a first-rate history with the team, knows how to work with the engineers and crew, knows the other drivers and has had success driving for us in Ferraris.

“He should be able to step right in to the role without any issues. We’re glad to have him back with us as we challenge Le Mans for the 13^th time.”

Jake Kilshaw

Jake Kilshaw is a UK-based journalist. He is a graduate of Politics and International Relations.