AF Corse Overview
AF Corse is an Italian auto racing team founded in 1995 by former driver Amato Ferrari in Piacenza, Italy. The team is renowned for its strong association with Ferrari and Maserati and competes in major sports car racing series including the FIA World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge Europe, European Le Mans Series, and others. AF Corse has achieved multiple teams’ championships, notably in the FIA GT2 category and FIA World Endurance Championship, establishing itself as a dominant force in endurance racing worldwide.
Founding and Organizational Origins
AF Corse was established by Amato Ferrari after retiring from driving in 1995. Initially, the team entered the Italian Superturismo Championship before transitioning to sports car racing following the series’ end in 1999. The team was named AF Corse, reflecting Ferrari’s initials, and quickly built a reputation for technical expertise and competitive performance. Early on, AF Corse formed a key partnership with Maserati, managing the Trofeo Cup, a one-make series based on the Maserati Coupé, which they supported until 2005.
Growth Into FIA World Endurance Championship Competition
AF Corse expanded its operations by developing and running Maserati MC12 cars in the FIA GT Championship starting in 2004, contributing to the car’s testing and development. By 2006, the team shifted focus to Ferrari machinery, competing in the GT2 class with the Ferrari F430 and securing immediate success including class championships. Over time, AF Corse broadened its presence across multiple series, including the FIA World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge Europe, and European Le Mans Series, establishing technical alliances and expanding its driver lineup to maintain competitive excellence.
AF Corse Competitive Journey
AF Corse’s racing progression spans from national touring car competitions to international endurance racing, marked by consistent development and championship success. The team evolved from managing Maserati one-make series to becoming a leading Ferrari works-supported outfit in global sports car championships.
Early Seasons and Development (1995–2005)
In its formative years, AF Corse competed in the Italian Superturismo Championship before pivoting to sports car racing. The team gained valuable experience managing Maserati’s Trofeo Cup and entered the FIA GT Championship with Maserati MC12 cars in 2004, achieving two victories. These early efforts laid the foundation for AF Corse’s technical capabilities and operational growth.
Breakthrough in FIA GT Championship (2006–2009)
AF Corse’s breakthrough came with the introduction of the Ferrari F430 in the GT2 class of the FIA GT Championship. The team won the GT2 Teams’ Championship four consecutive years from 2006 to 2009, demonstrating dominance with multiple race wins including the prestigious Spa 24 Hours. Key drivers such as Toni Vilander and Gianmaria Bruni contributed to this success, supported by full sponsorship from Motorola in 2007. The team also expanded its program to include entries in the FIA GT3 European Championship.
Modern Program and Current Direction (2010–Present)
Since 2010, AF Corse has been a major competitor in the FIA World Endurance Championship, European Le Mans Series, and other international series, fielding Ferrari 458 Italia GT2 and GT3 cars. The team won the ILMC LM GTE-Pro Teams’ Championship in 2011 and multiple FIA WEC GTE-Pro Teams’ Championships between 2012 and 2017. In recent years, AF Corse has partnered closely with Scuderia Ferrari to field the Ferrari 499P hypercar in the FIA World Endurance Championship, achieving landmark victories including the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023. The team continues to compete at the highest level with a strong driver lineup and advanced technical infrastructure.
Philosophy and Competitive Strengths
AF Corse’s core identity centers on technical excellence, strategic race management, and strong manufacturer partnerships, particularly with Ferrari. The team excels in endurance racing, leveraging consistent performance, vehicle development, and experienced drivers to secure championships and race wins.
Key Milestones and Major Moments
Major milestones include four consecutive FIA GT2 Teams’ Championships (2006–2009), the 2011 ILMC LM GTE-Pro Teams’ Championship, multiple FIA WEC GTE-Pro titles, and the 2023 Le Mans victory with the Ferrari 499P hypercar, marking Ferrari’s first top-class Le Mans win in 50 years. The team has also achieved success in the GT World Challenge Endurance and DTM Teams’ Championship.
AF Corse Achievements and Results
AF Corse has amassed an impressive record of team championships and race victories across multiple international sports car racing series. Their achievements highlight sustained competitive excellence and a prominent role in endurance racing.
FIA World Endurance Championship Achievements
AF Corse secured the FIA WEC GTE-Pro Teams’ Championships in 2012, 2013, 2014, and 2017, establishing itself as a dominant force in the category. The team also won the ILMC LM GTE-Pro Teams’ Championship in 2011 and continues to compete at the top level with Ferrari hypercars, including a notable Le Mans victory in 2023.
GT2 and GT World Challenge Achievements
The team won four consecutive FIA GT2 Teams’ Championships from 2006 to 2009 and claimed the GT World Challenge Endurance Teams’ Championships in 2020 and 2024. These successes underscore AF Corse’s consistent performance in GT racing categories.
DTM Achievements
AF Corse captured the DTM Teams’ Championship in 2021, demonstrating versatility and competitiveness beyond endurance racing and GT series. The team fields multiple car numbers across series, including 50, 51, 83, and others, with a roster of accomplished drivers.
Series Participation and Driver Development
AF Corse competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship, GT World Challenge Europe, European Le Mans Series, Asian Le Mans Series, International GT Open, and British GT Championship. The team has developed numerous drivers who have contributed to its success, maintaining a strong presence in global sports car racing.
