STORY OF THE DAY: Risi Competizione Captures GT2 at Le Mans

Jaime Melo, Mika Salo and Gianmaria Bruni won the GT2 class in Risi Competizione Ferrari F430 GTC number 82 at the 2008 24 Hours of Le Mans, finishing nineteenth overall. Reliable records conflict with the title’s car number 62, while confirming the crew, class victory and overall position.

The Houston-based team overcame the traffic, night running and mechanical strain that define the GT contest. Its Ferrari led a class one-two for the model, rewarding consistent pace and clean pit work against Porsche, Aston Martin and the other production-based challengers.

The F430 GTC was developed with Michelotto around a naturally aspirated four-litre V8, sequential gearbox and extensively lightened aluminium structure. Wide bodywork, a large rear wing, racing suspension and powerful brakes produced a balanced GT2 car whose efficiency and reliability suited long-distance competition.

Brazilian Melo was a Ferrari GT specialist noted for qualifying speed. Finn Salo brought Formula One experience and a disciplined endurance approach, while Italian Bruni was becoming one of Ferrari’s defining modern GT drivers. Their complementary strengths made Risi’s international crew exceptionally effective.