As FormulaUno.it reports, Cetilar Racing is making the massive leap into endurance racing's premier class by stepping up to the Hypercar category. The squad led by Roberto Lacorte has pulled the wraps off the livery for their number 47 Ferrari 499P, which will tackle the 2026/2027 Asian Le Mans Series season. They will not be alone in the cockpit, sharing driving duties with son Nicola and official Ferrari driver Antonio Fuoco, who claimed victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024.
This marks an unprecedented shift for the Italian team after years spent conquering GT competitions and LMP2 prototypes. The new campaign brings an entirely European winter calendar featuring three rounds, each split into two four-hour races: Paul Ricard in France kicks things off on November 14 and 15, followed by Jerez on January 16 and 17, and Portimão on February 20 and 21. Technical management rests in the hands of AF Corse, the long-standing partner from Maranello, whose support will be vital as the team tackles a brand-new category armed with Fuoco's WEC experience.
The #47 crew brings a generational dynamic to the grid, uniting Roberto Lacorte, Nicola Lacorte, and Fuoco. They will fight for overall victory against the other 499P on the entry list, the #90 fielded by AF Corse for Luis Perez Companc, Ye Yifei, and Nicklas Nielsen. This entry follows a strong run in the Asian Le Mans Series where Cetilar Racing finished second in LMP2, paving the way for the ultimate step up with a machine that holds an incredible pedigree. The Italian LMh weapon took three consecutive wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2023 to 2025, alongside the WEC Manufacturers' and Drivers' world titles in 2025. It also marks the very first time a Hypercar is running outside of the WEC and IMSA championships.
During the presentation, remarks came from Roberto Lacorte, Nicola Lacorte, Antonio Fuoco, and Antonello Coletta, with the latter expressing immense pride in the 499P platform's instant success. Cetilar holds deep ties to the car, serving as the first brand to adorn the Hypercar during its initial shakedown back in 2022 at the Ferrari World Finals in Imola.
Roberto Lacorte called it a milestone in the team's history, noting the intense emotion of seeing the Ferrari 499P painted in their colors. He highlighted the magnitude of sharing the iconic machine with a top-tier talent like Fuoco and his own son Nicola, admitting he cannot wait to get on track at Paul Ricard. Nicola echoed those sentiments, describing the move as the pinnacle of an important climb from grassroots categories to the absolute summit of motorsport and endurance racing after years of watching the team grow from the sidelines.
Antonio Fuoco, reflecting on a partnership that began with Cetilar Racing in 2021, shared his excitement over reaching what feels like a collective dream. Having the chance to pilot the legendary Ferrari 499P alongside the team represents a massive opportunity as they prepare to take on this wild new chapter.
