HISTORIC FERRARI ONE-TWO-THREE IN QATAR

The victory was secured by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen in the number 50 499P, crossing the line ahead of the number 83 car of AF Corse, driven by Yifei Ye, Robert Kubica, and Phil Hanson. Third place went to the other official Ferrari – AF Corse crew of Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi.

The Maranello manufacturer delivered the perfect race weekend, not only achieving an extraordinary result in the race but also setting the fastest lap over the course of the 10-hour competition – recorded by Pier Guidi – and securing pole position thanks to Giovinazzi. For Prancing Horse, this marked the best possible start to the third season featuring the Ferrari 499P in the top class of endurance racing.

The Race

The 499P was the undisputed protagonist of the race. At the start, the number 51 car held the lead, while its sister car, the number 50, which had started third, immediately moved up to second place, setting the stage for a race that saw Ferrari dominate at the front of the field for its entire duration, with both cars consistently in command.

The 499P’s potential, combined with the drivers’ performances, perfect tyre management, and flawless team strategy, allowed Ferrari to deliver a textbook race. Despite two drive-through penalties in the mid-section of the 1812 KM, which set back the Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi crew, they staged a perfect comeback, securing the best possible result at Lusail. As previously noted, Pier Guidi also set the fastest lap of the race with a 1’41’’259 on lap 141.

Under the floodlights of Lusail, Fuoco brought the number 50 499P across the finish line, completing 318 laps, ahead of Kubica and Pier Guidi.

Commenting on the victory, Antonio Fuoco, 499P #50 said: 'We performed very well in the race, both in tyre 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 added: '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. Scoring 38 points here in Qatar is undoubtedly ideal as we pursue this dream.'

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. We performed well in tyre management and in the choices made by the team, which allowed us to make the most of our 499P.'

Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti said: '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 to arrive in the best possible condition for the start of the season. Over the past months, we focused on every detail related to our car and team organisation, aiming to optimise every single aspect. In this regard, the comeback of the number 51 crew, who managed to climb the podium despite some penalties, is a perfect example of how well we defined the team's strategy and how skilled we were in tyre management.'

An Elevated Viewing Experience with Alfardan Sports Motors

 While the race unfolded on track, Ferrari and Alfardan Sports Motors provided an exclusive experience for VIP guests at the Ferrari Hospitality Lounge. Guests – in the company of Enrico Galliera, Chief Marketing and Commercial Officer at Ferrari HQ – were treated to premium Italian hospitality, gourmet dining, and an atmosphere that reflected Ferrari’s legendary racing spirit. The event brought together passionate fans and customers, offering a front-row seat to the exhilarating action at the Lusail International Circuit.

Pushing the Limits: Ferrari’s 499P Evolves for the 2025 Season

The 499P, which represents Ferrari’s return to endurance racing’s highest level, continues to push the boundaries of technology and performance. The 2025 edition of the Le Mans Hypercar retains its twin-turbo V6 hybrid powertrain, a direct link to Ferrari’s road-going innovations. The latest iteration of its striking livery, combining the classic Ferrari red with bold Giallo Modena accents, enhances visibility while paying tribute to the Prancing Horse’s endurance racing legacy.

Ferrari’s overall victory tally in the FIA WEC now stands at four. The Qatar result adds to the two unforgettable triumphs at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the official team (2023 with Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi and 2024 with Fuoco-Molina-Nielsen), and the first-place finish at COTA last year, where AF Corse secured victory with the number 83 499P driven by Ye-Shwartzman-Kubica. Ferrari concludes the race in the top class of endurance racing, with three cars in the leading positions, for the first time in 53 years. Prancing Horse leaves Lusail with 66 points in the manufacturers’ standings, thanks to the pole position, which earned one point, and the race results of the number 50 and number 51 crews, who contributed 38 and 27 points, respectively.

With the season now underway, Ferrari turns its attention to the next round at Imola on 20 April 2025, aiming to build on the momentum from Qatar. The world championship will then stop at Spa-Francorchamps, Belgium (10 May), Le Mans, France (14–15 June), São Paulo, Brazil (13 July), COTA, USA (7 September), Fuji, Japan (28 September), and finally Sakhir, Bahrain (8 November).