Ferrari Replaces No. 51 Chassis After Prologue Accident

Ferrari AF Corse has replaced the chassis of its No. 51 Ferrari 499P after James Calado’s accident during Sunday’s pre-season test at Sebring.

The Italian manufacturer initially stated on Sunday evening that it was not planning to replace the chassis of the car, but after further evaluation, the change went ahead.

A Ferrari spokesperson confirmed to Sportscar365 that the precautionary replacement was completed on Tuesday, in time for the opening Free Practice session on Wednesday.

Calado’s accident in the No. 51 Ferrari occurred on an out-lap while running on cold tires.

The British driver told Sportscar365 that he lost control in a straight line after going over a bump on the front straight, before making a correction into the Turn 1 grass that spun his LMH car around and into the tire barriers.

He reported that it was only a 4G impact, at around 70 km/h (44 mph).

The FIA World Endurance Championship has banned tire warmers for the upcoming season and Calado has expressed concern about how that will play out at tracks with lower temperatures than Sebring.