Risi Competizione and
Ferrari have ended Porsche's monopoly on the American Le Mans Series GT2 class after taking title glory with victory in the final round of the season at Laguna Seca.
Porsche have won the GT2 driver and team titles the last five seasons and although Risi came close to ending that last year, a mixture of different drivers ultimately prevented them from getting the better of winners Petersen/White Lightning.
Nonetheless, the solid partnership of Jamie Melo and Mika Salo was unchanged through the season and with eight wins in twelve races coming their way, the Brazilian/Finn partnership were able to celebrate the drivers' title at the last race of the season, while Risi claimed the team championship.
Winning the final round at Laguna Seca with comparative ease, team boss Giuseppe Risi was delighted with the result.
“We've had quite a year but we have to look at the Porsche teams who have provided the competition because, without them, we wouldn't be here. I especially want to mention the Flying Lizard team, who are real sportsmen.
With the result meaning Ferrari have pledged their support to the ALMS in the immediate future, the team will have to contend with rivals from Porsche, Panoz, Corvette, Dodge and Ford next year.
“Racing in the ALMS has been very special, and I think the Series is justified in calling itself “World Class”. We have a competitive car now, and I am sure Porsche won't be sleeping over the winter. Neither will we!”
