James Calado has commenced his 10th year with the Ferrari manufacturer with his first ever victory at the 24 Hours of Daytona with the #62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 296 GT3.
Speaking in a post-race press conference, Calado spoke about his 10th milestone with Ferrari, and how it felt winning in the Maralleno machinery.
“It’s been 10 amazing years which have gone by so fast. I remember the first one which was very, very special. But every time you win in a Ferrari, it’s hard to put into words. You get this special feeling.
“There’s no words really that put it into perspective.
“Not to say that we’re always under pressure being Ferrari drivers, so we need to win.
“We always want to improve. We win, but then we move on and we try and improve for the next one.
“That’s the good thing about this team. We’re all one big family. I’m in a very happy position to go to renew my contract.”
After Daniel Serra qualified the #62 Ferrari on pole in the GTD Pro category with a lap of 1.44.831.
The dramas from Paul Miller Racing surrounding their front right wheel issues enabled the #62 to fall into winning contention at a later stage in the race.
As the reigning 24 Hours of Le Mans winner from last year’s Centenary Edition, he opened his 2024 campaign with his first Daytona victory having entered the race on eight occasions, as two former GTLM Petit Le Mans triumphs add onto his accolade of IMSA wins.
