Q: How different is the new F488 compared to the F458?
“The 488 is very different from last year’s car. I’ve raced the 458 since it’s debut in racing. In 2011 Ferrari’s focus for the 458 was GTE but the GT3 car has been developed a lot and now we have the 488. This car is developed very close to the GTE car. In my opinion it is easier to drive, so it is very good for a gentleman driver, but at the same time it gives a lot of confidence, a lot of aero, a very good engine with the new turbo and compared to the old 458 it is more of a racing car and will be able to battle with the other manufacturers – it is a very big step forward.
Q: Last year you raced on Dunlop tyres and this year the car will be on Michelin’s. What difference will this make to you?
“I also feel the Michelin tyres are very good for this type of series and are much easier for an AM driver to the limit. This is going to be important in qualifying where the gentleman driver is going to be in the car and I am sure that Thomas will be able to get the best of the car.”
Q: You raced with Thomas Flohr in ELMS last year. Is it good to be racing together in 2016?
“It is very good to be working with Thomas again in 2016. We had a good championship last year and our objective is to win the new championship and eventually race at Le Mans. The opportunity to do the one hour race on Saturday morning at Le Mans is going to be a great experience for him.”
Q: Which of the six tracks on the 2016 calendar is your favourite?
“It has to be Imola. It is not only because I am Italian, I think Imola is one of the very few race tracks that are still left that if you bring the car to the limit there is a real risk of doing some serious damage if you go off. While safety is very important for me going down Acque Minerali or through Piratella it is very challenging and exciting. And of course Imola has a lot of history, for me it is the circuit I am looking forward to the most in 2016.”
