Ferrari to Return to Grid with New Two-Car Team

Current-generation Ferrari machinery is set to return to the Fanatec GT World Challenge Australia powered by AWS grid in 2024 with the creation of a newly-formed team.

Perth-based Arise Racing, known for its involvement in Radical one-make racing, has entered into an alliance with the Lance East group to field a pair of brand-new Ferrari 296 GT3s with factory support.

It will mark the first time a current Ferrari GT3 car has appeared in the series since Maranello Motorsport entered a 488 GT3 in the opening round of the 2021 season.

Lance East group owner Laurence Escalante already has ties to Ferrari via his gaming company VGW, which was announced as a “premium partner” of the Maranello brand’s Formula 1 team last year.

The newly-formed team will enter a broader partnership with Ferrari that will see it facilitate sales of the marque’s GT machinery across Australia.

“Having admired GT racing from afar, it’s a real thrill and unique opportunity to be launching a new team out of my home base of Perth racing Ferraris,” said Escalante.

“Just like in business, motor racing – and all elite sports for that matter – is highly competitive, performance-driven and requires teamwork, which is a super exciting challenge to be a part of with this team.

“I can’t wait to see what the team and our partners can achieve.”

Arise Racing GT is headed up by Australian racer Jordan Oon, who previously competed at Formula 3 level in Europe.

“We’re very excited at Arise Racing GT for this year and beyond,” said Oon. “There’s a lot of unknowns, but we are in the process of putting the drivers and teams together ahead of what will be a great season.

“We are really keen to see the category grow. We want to see more internationals and see the Australian championship be recognised globally. The class has had its ups and downs over the years, but it’s clearly on the way up.

“We are gearing up for the future. We don’t want to be here for one or two years. We see this as a long term program and we want to make it sustainable.”