ALMS: Kaffer returns to Risi for blue riband enduros

Pierre Kaffer will return to the familiar surroundings of Risi Competizione’s Ferrari F430 GTC to defend all three of his GT2 endurance titles this season.

In addition to his Le Mans Series commitments in Europe, the German will partner Risi regulars Gianmaria Bruni and Jaime Melo at the Sebring 12 Hours and Petit Le Mans events Stateside, as well as returning for the Le Mans 24 Hours itself in June.

A third ALMS round at Laguna Seca will also be entered alongside Melo thanks to Bruni’s clashing European obligations.      

“I really like the team so it’s great to be back,” said the 33 year-old.  “And, from my side, I will, as always, do my very best to help defend our titles.  I am sure that, with Gimmi and Jaime, we present a very strong driver combination for these endurance races.  I’m very happy to be back in the USA for the three races as I love racing there and, with Ferrari, I think we have a strong package.  I hope I’ll be able to help the team a lot.”

Team Principal Giuseppe Risi added: “We obviously work very closely with Ferrari in all aspects of our racing, including our driver line up.  Jaime and Gianmaria are the two drivers with the most experience in the world of the F430, as they have both been involved with its development from the start, so that was our decision for the ALMS sprint races. 
 

“Pierre, however, is a perfect fit as their endurance partner and was fortunately available to us amongst his European racing commitments.  He brings experience, stability and undoubted talent, as we saw last season, and everyone on the team is delighted to welcome him back.” 

Catch the Sebring 12 Hours live on Motors TV March 20.

Tom Hornsby