The 499Ps in action at Spa

The opening two free practice sessions of the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship 2025 unfolded today on the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit. Ferrari – AF Corse completed 89 laps with the number 50 and 51 cars, while the number 83 crew, entered by the privateer AF Corse team, covered 66 laps.

FP1. The first session, held in the morning over a 90-minute distance, took place in dry conditions with cool temperatures – 13°C air and 26°C track. Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen completed the session by setting the fastest time in the number 50 499P, clocking a 2’02’’835. In second place, +0.222 seconds adrift, were official Ferrari driver Yifei Ye, together with Robert Kubica and Phil Hanson, in the Giallo Modena-liveried car. Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi placed eighth at the chequered flag, with a best time of 2’04’’179 in the number 51 Ferrari.

FP2. The start of the second session saw an off-track excursion by Giovinazzi at Eau Rouge. The incident, which had no consequences for the Italian driver – winner of the 6 Hours of Imola – brought out a red flag. The session was halted twice more by additional red flags and unfolded in weather conditions similar to those of the morning. Towards the end, Miguel Molina went off at Blanchimont, forcing the Spanish driver to end the session early after an impact that damaged the front of the car.

At the chequered flag, the number 50 499P finished second, with a best time of 2’01’’566 – just 0.091 seconds behind the number 6 Porsche. The number 83 car of the AF Corse team placed sixth, 0.573 seconds off the pace. The other official Ferrari entry, the number 51, returned to the track in the final stages of the session but did not complete a full timed lap.

The programme. On Friday, 9 May, following FP3 from 11 a.m. to 12 noon, qualifying and the Hyperpole for the Hypercar class will take place at 3.25 p.m. and 3.48 p.m. respectively. The green flag for the 6 Hours of Spa is scheduled for Saturday, 10 May at 2 p.m. (local time).