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Fuoco Promoted to Ferrari’s GTE-Pro Lineup

Antonio Fuoco replaces Daniel Serra in No. 52 Ferrari GTE-Pro lineup in WEC…

Photo: Ferrari

Antonio Fuoco will step up to the GTE-Pro class of the FIA World Endurance Championship after being confirmed in the No. 52 Ferrari entry for the coming season.

The 25-year-old Italian is set to partner Miguel Molina during the six-round campaign, which starts at Sebring in March and includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans in June.

Fuoco replaces Daniel Serra in the No. 52 crew, after Serra in turn replaced Davide Rigon ahead of the 2021 WEC campaign.

Alessandro Pier Guidi and James Calado will return to defend their FIA World Endurance GT title in the No. 51 Ferrari 488 GTE Evo, marking the fifth year of their partnership.

Ferrari has not yet announced its third drivers for Le Mans.

Fuoco’s promotion to GTE-Pro comes after a strong season in the GTE-Am class, where he competed for the AF Corse-run Cetilar Racing organization.

The Ferrari Formula 1 test driver also drove for the factory-supported Iron Lynx operation in Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS Endurance Cup.

His last full season of single-seaters occurred in the 2018 Formula 2 season, after which he switched his focus to GTs on the Italian national racing scene.

Two titles in the Italian GT Championship led to more international sports car racing drives including a WEC debut last year.

“Honestly, I’m very happy about this opportunity, because it comes at the end of a path of growth in the world of closed-wheel racing from 2019 until today,” said Fuoco.

“I am happy to have this chance, and I hope to contribute to the team and Ferrari in 2022.”

Molina, who is entering his third full season with the Ferrari GTE-Pro squad, added: “I am delighted to be back at the start of the world championship, which I will tackle with a new teammate.

“Antonio did an excellent job last year in the GTE-Am class, proving to be a very competitive driver. We are ready to fight for victory in a period that is important for the future.

“The performance shown at the end of last season makes me very optimistic, and I can’t wait to start at Sebring.

“I would like to thank Daniel for what he did last season. He was an exemplary teammate, consistently very fast.”

On the other side of the Ferrari factory garage, Calado suggested that “expectations are very high” for thee No. 51 crew after its title run last season. 

“Obviously, Alessandro and I will do everything we can to get the third title,” said the Englishman.

“I think we’ll have to work even harder than last year because I’m sure our opponents will have improved their performance.

“The Corvette will also be there, and we know how competitive they are, but we will give everything, trying to make the most of our experience in the world championship.”

All of the full-season crews in GTE-Pro are now complete, with Michael Christensen returning to Porsche alongside Kevin Estre, Richard Lietz and Gianmaria Bruni.

The sole Chevrolet Corvette C8.R will be driven by Nick Tandy and Tommy Milner.

Daniel Lloyd is a UK-based reporter for Sportscar365, covering the FIA World Endurance Championship, Fanatec GT World Challenge Europe powered by AWS and the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship, among other series.

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