The opening round of the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) at the Lusail Circuit delivered a historic Ferrari one-two-three finish at the Qatar 1812 KM. The Ferrari – AF Corse team, competing with the newly modified 499P Hypercars, showcased dominant race pace and strategy, securing the perfect start to the season.
The victory was claimed by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen in the #50 Ferrari 499P, crossing the line ahead of the #83 AF Corse entry, driven by Yifei Ye, Robert Kubica, and Phil Hanson. Third place went to the #51 crew of Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, completing Ferrari’s first endurance racing podium sweep in over five decades.
A Masterclass in Endurance Racing
From the opening laps, the Ferrari 499P dictated the race. The #51 car took an early lead, with its #50 stablemate swiftly moving into second, setting the tone for Ferrari’s control at the front. Perfect tire management, racecraft, and pit strategy ensured the Prancing Horse remained unchallenged throughout the 10-hour event.
Despite two drive-through penalties in the race’s midsection, the Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi crew executed a flawless comeback, securing Ferrari’s third spot on the podium. Pier Guidi also set the fastest lap of the race, a 1’41’’259 on lap 141, further underlining Ferrari’s dominance.
Under the Lusail floodlights, Fuoco guided the #50 Ferrari 499P across the finish line, completing 318 laps, ahead of Kubica and Pier Guidi.
Ferrari Drivers React
Antonio Fuoco, 499P #50: “We performed very well in the race, both in tire management and strategy. What we achieved today, with three Ferraris in the top positions at the end of a World Endurance Championship race, will go down in history.”
Miguel Molina, 499P #50: “The most important thing is that we started this season in the best possible way with a fantastic victory. After claiming success at Le Mans last year, we were determined to begin 2025 by showing our potential, because we have a major goal – to chase the world title for Ferrari.”
Nicklas Nielsen, 499P #50: “The race was very tough, but I think we did everything in the best way possible, reclaiming the top step of the podium after our great Le Mans victory in 2024.”
Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti: “In Qatar, we achieved a fantastic one-two-three for Ferrari—this is the best reward for all the work the entire team put in over the winter months. The comeback of the #51 crew, climbing the podium despite penalties, is a perfect example of how well we defined our team’s strategy.”
A Premium Viewing Experience
While Ferrari dominated on track, Alfardan Sports Motors hosted an exclusive hospitality experience at the Ferrari Hospitality Lounge, where VIP guests, including Enrico Galliera, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at Ferrari, enjoyed Italian fine dining and Ferrari’s legendary racing atmosphere.
The Evolution of the 499P
The 2025 Ferrari 499P continues to push the limits of endurance racing technology, retaining its twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, directly inspired by Ferrari’s road-going innovations. The latest livery, blending Ferrari red with bold Giallo Modena accents, enhances visibility and pays tribute to Ferrari’s endurance racing heritage.
Ferrari leaves Qatar with 66 points in the manufacturers’ standings, having secured pole position and maximum race points. With the season now underway, Ferrari sets its sights on Imola (20 April 2025), as the Prancing Horse continues its pursuit of championship glory.
