2006 Ferrari F430 GTC

POA

The name Ferrari is synonymous with success at the Le Mans 24 hours throughout history. Ferrari have a long and illustrious history at the great race, including many outright and class successes. Theirs were the cars to beat in both GT and prototype classes throughout the 1950s, 1960s and early 1970s. From the mighty 375 MM, to the iconic 250 GTO and the fearsome 512 S & M models.

Ferrari’s dominance at the great race is not only limited to the past, but evident in present day. Until 2023, Ferrari’s last outright victory at La Sarthe was in 1965 with the 250 LM, but a return to top flight racing in the WEC saw a car of the Prancing Horse take overall honours once again, and in the centenary edition no less. In only their first season as a Hypercar entrant, Ferrari managed to take home the grand prize of a Le Mans victory whilst also managing to take home a GT win as recently as 2022. Indeed it is in the GT classes where Ferrari have specialised in recent decades. This successful chapter in Ferrari’s history really began with the Ferrari 430 GTC in the 2006 Le Mans, because whilst the 360 predated it, the model never quite brought home the silverware.

With the arrival of the F430 in 2006, Ferrari was about to enter a brand-new chapter in GT racing. Where the 360 Modena was an adaptation of the Challenge model for the N-GT class, the F430 GT had been specifically developed for the GT2 category. The car was meant for teams to race in the FIA GT Championship, the Le Mans Series (ALMS, LMS, Asian LMS), and of course the legendary Le Mans 24 Hours.

The F430 GTC was developed and built by Michelotto Automobili for Ferrari Corse Clienti. This successful partnership had already produced iconic race cars such as the F40 LM & GTE, 333 SP, & the 360 GTC. Like the 360, the F430 is built on an all aluminium chassis. The F430 GTC gave clients a big step forward in performance, from aerodynamic and mechanicl grip, to engine performance, handling and reliability. To make efficient use of the FIA/ACO rules, the was cut to 4-litres (vs 4.3-litres for the road car) to take advantage of FIA/ACO air restriction rules.

The F430 GTC proved extremely successful across the globe, winning both the FIA Manufacturer & Drivers Championships in 2006 & 2007, ALMS Manufacturers and Driver titles in 2007, the Sebring 12 hours (2007, 2009, & 2010), Le Mans 24 hours (2008 & 2009), Spa 24 hours (2006, 2008 & 2009) and Petit Le Mans twice (2008 & 2009), just to name a few. The F430 GTC remains as the first purpose-developed modern GT coming from Ferrari, paving the way for the successful 458 GTC and 488 GTE models.

This chassis started life in 2006 as part of the FIA GT Championship as part of the JMB team setup. The drivers for the season would be British GT champion Tim Sugden alongside Iradj Alexander. The first round of the season was held at the iconic Silverstone circuit for the Tourist Trophy. After a positive 4th place in qualifying, the race would not bring the result that was desired by the team as the car came home 11th in class. However, it would not be long until 2424 would be met with success.

The second round of the FIA GT championship was the 500km of Brno. An improved qualifying saw the team start the 500km race in 3rd position in class. The pair of drivers would bring home a class victory driving 2424 against fierce competition, with the other podium positions being filled by Emmanuel Collard in a Porsche 997 RSR and Jaime Melo in the works-backed AF Corse F430 GTC.

Midway into the season, 2424 would arrive at the Circuit De Spa Francorchamps to take on the famous 24 Hours of Spa. With Michel Martin and Stephane Daoudi added to the regular season lineup, they set their sights on trying to win the most prestigious GT race in history. After a strong 5th place in qualifying 2424 would unfortunately retire before the end of the race. The remainder of the season would reflect the success shown at the start. With podiums coming at Paul Ricard, Mugello and Adria. 2424 would close out the 2006 season with five top 5 finishes in the final 6 races which includes the 3 previously mentioned podiums. JMB would finish the season 4th in the team standings.

After it’s racing career was over, 2424 went to Michelotto Automobili for restoration. Now eligible for the following historic racing series: Endurance Racing Legends by Peter Auto (including Le Mans Classic), Masters Endurance Legends, Gulf Historic, plus also the Club Competizioni GT series at Ferrari Corse Clienti events. Not forgetting the popular Daytona and Sebring Classic events in the USA of course.