STORY OF THE DAY: Moretti Finally Wins Sebring with Ferrari

On 22 March 1998, Didier Theys, Mauro Baldi and Gianpietro Moretti won the 12 Hours of Sebring in the number 30 Ferrari 333 SP. Following their success at Daytona, the victory confirmed the strength of Moretti Racing’s North American endurance campaign.

The result held particular meaning for Moretti, founder of the Momo company and the driving force behind the programme. After years of racing and supporting Ferraris, he captured one of America’s defining endurance events through experienced teammates, disciplined preparation and the established pace of the 333 SP.

The 333 SP was an open sports prototype powered by a naturally aspirated four-litre V12 derived from Ferrari’s Formula One engine family. Dallara constructed its carbon-fibre chassis and early bodywork, while Michelotto supported development. Low mass and a high-revving engine made it effective despite Sebring’s severe surface.

Theys was a Belgian-born prototype specialist with extensive American racing experience. Baldi was an Italian former Formula One driver and world sports-car champion. Moretti combined business success with determined privateer competition. Their complementary strengths created an exceptionally complete crew for the demands of Sebring.