Ferrari Chief Coletta Criticises Rival Desertion of ALMS Hypercar Class

Ferrari endurance chief Antonello Coletta voiced sharp criticism on Monday after rival manufacturers completely deserted the new Hypercar class for the 2026/2027 Asian Le Mans Series season, leaving only two factory-supported entries on the grid.

The opening rounds get underway this weekend at Circuit Paul Ricard, Motorsport.com reported. Only Cetilar Racing and AF Corse will field the brand-new Ferrari 499P prototypes in the premier category.

Organizers moved the winter championship entirely to Europe due to security concerns in the Middle East. That scheduling shift dismantled initial expectations of attracting regional financial backers and privateer teams.

Speculation over the winter had linked various outfits to potential Hypercar entries, including returning programs from Vanwall and Glickenhaus. Other rumors pointed to Porsche-Proton setups paired with Algarve Pro Racing and wingless Peugeot chassis operated by BBM Sport.

Only Michelotto Engineering’s Isotta Fraschini design actually hit the track for testing under High Class Racing. That resurrection ultimately stalled before the team could assemble a complete entry for the season opener.

Coletta Criticizes Rival Silence

Coletta expressed frustration over the absence of competing marques that frequently advocate for cost control and commercial relevance in endurance racing. He spoke to reporters at Monza regarding the entry list.

“Sono molto sorpreso che nessuno degli altri Costruttori, che professano riduzione di costi e sostengono attività commerciali, abbiano completamente disertato quella che, a nostro avviso, è una grande opportunità,” said Antonello Coletta, head of Ferrari Endurance and Corse Clienti, as reported by Motorsport.com.

He argued that the winter series offered an ideal development ground for personnel and junior drivers. The calendar allows teams to sharpen engineering staff, mechanics, and Silver-ranked drivers outside the core FIA World Endurance Championship.

“Poter correre in ALMS con le Hypercar è una possibilità sia dal tecnico che per le attività commerciali,” Coletta told Motorsport.com. “Rimango quindi sorpreso vedere che dei team con vetture LMDh… non ce ne sia nessuno.”

The Asian Le Mans Series Hypercar category does not grant automatic invitations to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bronze-rated drivers backing the programs, such as Roberto Lacorte and Luis Pérez-Companc, are restricted from piloting the machinery at La Sarthe under sporting regulations.

“Il mondo si divide sempre tra chi parla e chi fa,” Coletta told Motorsport.com. “Purtroppo c’è tanta gente che apre bocca e pochi che agiscono. E questo mi dispiace perché gli organizzatori ci hanno fornito una possibilità e una base che avremmo dovuto sfruttare tutti.”

Cannizzo Discusses Ferrari 499P Performance and Racing Dynamics

Ferdinando Cannizzo, head of Ferrari endurance race cars, addressed the unique sporting dynamic of competing without a traditional Balance of Performance field in the top class.

“E’ un peccato che siamo solo in due, però ci siamo, la cosa bella è che è un piacere per noi vedere che ci sono i nostri clienti che sono in grado di utilizzare ed emozionarsi con la 499P in pista,” said Ferdinando Cannizzo, head of Ferrari endurance race cars, as reported by Motorsport.com.

Cannizzo said that engineers expect high performance baselines to keep the prototypes clear of the slower LMP2 runners.

Looking ahead to the world championship, Coletta confirmed that AF Corse will continue running the #83 customer Ferrari for a fourth season. Maranello has ruled out expanding its privateer footprint in the main series.

“Una seconda vettura privata non è nei piani e il nostro obiettivo è dare continuità alle tre attuali,” Coletta told Motorsport.com. “Aggiungerne una quarta, per poi vedercela togliere a causa dell’ingresso di altri Costruttori diventerebbe pure antipatico.”

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