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Porsche develops F666SP for Ferrari!
In a sensational development, it is announced today that Ferrari are planning a new sports racing car to replace the ageing F333SP, but to the amazement of all, it is to be developed by arch rivals, Porsche.
The recent successes of "new generation" sports-prototypes from BMW and Audi, as well as the continuing developments of the Riley & Scott, have made it clear to Ferrari that a new model will be needed. However, with the Scuderia's resources totally dedicated to making Michael Schumacher the first Ferrari Formula 1 World Champion for 20 years, there was no prospect of an in-house operation.
In one of the biggest surprises in motor-racing history, Ferrari have therefore come to an agreement with Porsche to design, build and develop the new F666SP, as it will be called. It will race in the second half of 1999, prior to a full assault, including Le Mans, in 2000.
The running of the two works cars will be handed over to the Sauber Grand Prix team who, in a parallel statement, have announced that they are selling their place at the F1 table to Toyota. The Sauber team currently use Ferrari engines in F1. It will be recalled that Sauber have a strong record in sportscar racing, have been the works Mercedes team and World Champions in 1989 and 1990.
The driver pairing for the first car will be, no doubt with an eye to his future, ex Ferrari star Jean Alesi, together with his Sauber team-mate Pedro Diniz, who will bankroll the whole operation under the Parmalat banner.
The second car will be driven by none other than former Ferrari World Champion, Niki Lauda. The 50-year old had his appetite for racing rekindled recently after driving the McLaren two-seater F1 car. Lauda has worked for team sponsor Parmalat continuously since his retirement from F1 and remains a close friend of Ferrari President, Luca di Montezemolo. The great Austrian will be partnered by Scotsman Alan McNish, who won the 1998 Le Mans for the F666SP builders, Porsche. He has already driven a Ferrari in anger, finishing second at this year's Daytona 24-hour in a 333.
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