R. Ferri Competizione and Ferrari Silicon Valley Team to Compete in Road America
Ferrari GT430 - #61 Includes Legendary Team - Drivers at Generac 500
TORONTO and REDWOOD, Calif., Aug. 18 -- Ferrari Silicon Valley and R. Ferri Competizione announced today that they will be teaming for the latest in the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). Ferrari Ontario and Ferrari Silicon Valley along with official corporate team member Advanced Micro Devices are looking to catch the checkered flag at the Generac 500 - Road America race in Elkhart, WI. This historic teaming of Canadian and American interests is a first and brings additional acclaim to two highly successful Ferrari organizations. In 2006, Team Ferrari Silicon Valley - R. Ferri Competizione entered an all-new racing team into the American Le Mans Series (ALMS). The team is managed by Risi Competizione and includes drivers Toni Vilander and the F1 driver Marc Gene, competing in a Ferrari GT430.
"We're very pleased to be back in the American Le Mans Series with Ferrari," stated Ferrari of Ontario owner and President Remo Ferri. "This entry marks a strong return for R. Ferri Competizione and Ferrari of Ontario and we are very excited to participate in a prestigious series with the finest brand in the world, Ferrari."
"This is a wonderful partnership and tremendous plus to have two great Ferrari organizations competing for the ALMS," stated Giacomo Mattioli owner Ferrari of Silicon Valley and Beverly Hills. "The early success we have had indicates that we have the right team, the right drivers and most importantly the right combination of management and talent to win."
Ferrari has not had such a strong team and showing in the ALMS since 2004. Team Silicon Valley will continue its 2006 season with two European drivers, Toni Markus Vilander of Kankaanpaa, Finland and Marc Gene, of Spain.
* Vilander holds six wins in Italian F3 racing and numerous Italian Championship podium spots. He began racing karts in 1987 and earned "best Rookie" driver in 2002 for the Italian Championship, having placed 2nd at both Magione and Mugello that year. * Gene is the Ferrari F1 official test driver and has a long history of success. During his career he started 16 Formula 1 races, finished 22 times, and finished in the points two times.