The Houston based Ferrari team Risi Competizione, will be introducing a new driver lineup at the 87th running of the 24 Hour of Le Mans race this weekend, along with a new all blue colour scheme on the #89 car.
Last year, the team competed under the Keating Motorsports Ferrari 488 name, which finished third in the LMGTE AM class.
The team also make their return to the LMGTE PRO class in 2019, with the lineup of Britain’s Oliver Jarvis, French rookie Jules Gounon and Brazilian Luis Felipe ‘Pipo’ Derani.
All three drivers are excited about the opportunity ahead of this weekends race, ‘Pipo’ Derani: “I’m really happy to be joining Risi for this year’s Le Mans 24 Hours. The team has a great history with this race and has had a lot of success not only at Le Mans but in America as well. Having said that, I couldn’t be happier to be joining such a capable and strong team.”
“GTE-Pro is definitely the most competitive category at Le Mans and for this reason a great result means so much for teams and drivers.”
“Ferrari is not only a fantastic manufacturer with so much history but also a fantastic car to drive. To be back driving a Ferrari at Le Mans is definitely an amazing opportunity.”
Jarvis is by far the most experienced driver out of the three, with a victory to his name in the LMP2 class: “Le Mans is a magical race but to win it everything needs to go well. Nowadays you need to be extremely fast as well as consistent as the competition is so high you cannot afford to be even slightly off the pace.”
“It is important that you have a car that gives you confidence and allows the drivers to push throughout the whole race. As well as that the team plays a huge role, not just in the pit stops but also in the strategic decisions that can win or lose you the race.”
The third driver on the team is Goulon. Along with it being his first race at the legendary race, it will also be his first race with the Ferrari team: “For sure it means a lot for me to be able to compete in my first 24 Hours of Le Mans. My passion for motorsport started exactly in Le Mans in 2005 when I was following my father through the whole race.”
“I’m very thankful to Mr. Risi for his faith on my ability to drive his car. For me it’s a big honour to drive for Risi Competizione, and I’m really proud to represent as the French driver for the French Ferrari Owners Club!”
