24 Hours of Le Mans

Pierre Kaffer returns to Risi for the Classics

© Planetlemans – Marcel ten Caat

Pierre Kaffer, GT2 winner of all three of 2009’s sports car endurance classics – the 12 Hours of Sebring, 24 Hours of Le Mans and Petit Le Mans – in a Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 GTC, is set to return to the Texan team in 2010 to defend those titles.

The genial German, 33, will be partnered with Gianmaria Bruni and Jaime Melo in the Rosso Red Ferrari for the above mentioned races in the USA and France, and will additionally be paired with Jaime Melo for the Road America 2 hour 34 minute round of the American Le Mans Series. Bruni has a clashing commitment in Europe.

Pierre Kaffer has now been competing extremely successfully in a Ferrari F430 GTC for the last two seasons, taking three wins and six podium finishes and never finishing lower than sixth place in a race. He is delighted to be returning to Risi Competizione.

“I really like the team so it’s great to be back,” said Pierre. “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 said of Kaffer’s return to his team: “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.”