Arthur Leclerc Set for Rolex 24 Debut with AF Corse Ferrari
Arthur Leclerc, Ferrari factory driver and younger brother of F1 star Charles Leclerc, is set to make his Rolex 24 debut at Daytona with AF Corse in the GTD class, driving the Ferrari 296 GT3.
Racing driver drinks from bottle
After transitioning from F2 in 2023, Leclerc has embraced sportscar racing, having already competed in the European Le Mans Series' LMP2 class and Italian GT. His recent experience in Ferrari's 499P at the FIA WEC Rookie Test has positioned him well for endurance racing.
Leclerc will share the No. 50 296 GT3 with Conrad Laursen, Riccardo Agostini, and Custodio Toledo. The team has used the Roar test weekend and practice sessions to build cohesion and adapt to the unique challenges of Daytona, including night racing and managing traffic with different vehicle classes.
The Monegasque driver praised the American racing atmosphere and the support system, particularly noting the advantage of having spotters during the race. While acknowledging some speed challenges, the team's focus remains on avoiding errors and executing a clean race strategy.
Looking ahead, Leclerc hopes to drive the final stint of the race, with his performance at Daytona potentially influencing his future opportunities with Ferrari's sportscar program, including a possible shot at Le Mans.
The race presents a significant opportunity for Leclerc to prove himself in endurance racing, as he continues to develop his career beyond single-seater competition under Ferrari's guidance.