Ferrari 488 Double-Evo More Likely Than New GTE Car

Ferrari is more likely to produce a further evolution of its 488 GTE racer than bring in a brand-new car, according to the manufacturer’s technical director Ferdinando Cannizzo.

The Italian marque has campaigned the 488 chassis in the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2016 and produced an Evo version in 2018 to extend its lifespan.

A new three-year homologation period started this year and Cannizzo suggested that Ferrari’s current model will be able to continue through to the end in 2021.

Porsche opted to develop an entirely new car for the current cycle, while Aston Martin is continuing with its 2018-spec Vantage GTE for a second season.

“We are trying to develop the car in other areas without affecting the homologation,” Cannizzo told Sportscar365.

“But for sure, if we understand that we have no more margins on car development, we may think about making a new evolution. But we are not there yet.

“At the moment, we are not pushing for that. What we are really thinking is that if there is any area which is inherently weak, maybe for reliability or assembly of the parts – for which probably we are not the strongest car – then maybe we can improve something on that side.

“We have not made an evolution [for this season], it’s not a must. But if we need to we can make it.

“I think for this homologation period I would say that a potential evolution is what will happen to close this period.”

Cannizzo suggested that it would be technically possible to further evolve an existing Evo package.

“I think as long as you keep working on something, you will find something to improve. If you focus your effort in the right direction, generally the results will come out,” he said.

Driveability Central to New Am Evo Kit

Cannizzo said that the original 488 Evo kit, which is now eligible for GTE-Am teams to race, has been received well by customers who have tested it so far.

All four of the Ferraris entered into the 2019-20 WEC season are running with the update package, which the manufacturer says is designed for better driveability.

The Am-class 488 Evos are running to exactly the same specification that the Pro cars ran last season, while only minor “details” have been added to the Pro machinery.

“Some teams have bought brand new cars and some have updated the car,” said Cannizzo.

“It’s basically the same chassis, most of the changes are on the aero side: front splitter, front bumper, rear diffuser.

“The changes are oriented to make the car more genuine and easier to drive. The sensitivity is slightly less, and the car has been felt by the first feedback from our bronze drivers.

“They are very happy about this and they notice the difference. It’s difficult to say if it will bring a lap time improvement, but as long as they get familiar with this new package, there will be some.”