The 499P driver, winner of the most famous 24 Hours together with James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi, enjoys the welcome at Monza: “Important answers from the last few races. We didn’t expect to win straight away in France.” Then he recalls the difficult years: “Negative experiences made me grow”
– Monza racetrack (MB)
The emotion for the enterprise at 24 Hours of Le Mans it is still tangible in Antonio Giovinazzi. The Ferrari driver was one of the winners in the hypercar category of the French race, together with James Calado and Alessandro Pier Guidi, allowing the Maranello team to celebrate again 58 years after the last seal. And now comes Monza, the fifth round of the Endurance World Championship, warmly welcomed by numerous fans, with the aim of confirming itself in the top tiers of the standings. Confidence is skyrocketing, as he hinted to the media during the Friday meeting.
Emotion
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Obviously the main theme remains the historic triumph in France. Giovinazzi begins: “The Le Mans race was special this year. First of all because the track has a particular charm. And then, personally, every time I was in the car, I didn’t want to get out: the car was beautiful to drive. The conditions were difficult, but I enjoyed every moment”. What is most surprising is the rapidity of Ferrari’s rise, bearing in mind that only twelve months ago the new 499P took to the track for the first time: “It was unthinkable to win at Le Mans right away. I knew I was in one valid team and that sooner or later something would happen. I have always felt the greatest support from engineers and team mates. This is a real family”. Giovinazzi also recalls the last few seasons, which culminated in his exclusion from F1 in 2021: “This victory is a personal revenge. They were difficult years, but in the end they were experiences that made me grow. I waited for the wheel to turn my way. I couldn’t be happier now.”
Future
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Antonio’s gaze is directed forward. In fact, the Italian does not intend to leave Le Mans as the only seal of the season, however enormously prestigious: “We have to keep pushing because opponents will not stop there. What we have done in these months is special, but we must continue on this path “. He adds:” We have focused on the problems of tire wear. Spa and Le Mans helped us, but we’ll see how much. We are not too worried, the feedback is positive. Surely, however, the opponents will be closer.”
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