Risi Competizione is set to return to the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship at Virginia International Raceway later this month, bringing its hiatus to an end.
The Houston-based team put its GT Le Mans program with its Ferrari 488 GTE on hiatus following the 24 Hours of Le Mans but announced on Monday that it plans to enter the final three WeatherTech Championship rounds of the season.
Risi sat out the past four races at Watkins Glen, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park, Lime Rock Park and Road America, in order to “consolidate resources and to reflect on future programs” after three consecutive races including Le Mans which saw the team’s Ferrari sustain heavy damage.
“We will back at Virginia International Raceway with our No. 62 Risi Competizione 488 Ferrari with Giancarlo Fisichella and Toni Vilander,” said team principal Giuseppe Risi.
“We have taken a hiatus since the 24 Hours of Le Mans but now plan to complete the season at VIR, Laguna Seca and the season finale at Petit Le Mans at Road Atlanta.”
Vilander and Fisichella will race the No. 62 Ferrari for the remainder of the season although both have remained active during Risi’s hiatus, competing in the Total 24 Hours of Spa and Vilander subbing in for Sam Bird at AF Corse in the Six Hours of Nürburgring.
“I’m very glad to be returning to IMSA competition with Risi Competizione in the U.S.” said Vilander.
“Although both Giancarlo and I have been continuing to race internationally, it’s not the same as racing in the U.S. and with Giuseppe and the guys at the Risi Competizione team. It’s a special team and we are glad to be back.”