29.01.2004  OVER WINTER IMPROVEMENTS AS FERRARI 575 GTC GETS READY FOR A SEASON OF SPORTSCAR RACING

The Ferrari 575 GTC sportscar is ready for its first full season in top-line competition this year. Built for the Ferrari client racing department by N-Technology, the 575 GTC ( C for Competizione ), won its debut race last October, the penultimate round of the FIA GT Championship, in the hands for JMB Racing's Philipp Peter and Fabio Babini.

The new racer, inspired by the success that Care Racing have achieved with their Prodrive-developed 550 Maranello's, is based on the 575 M front engined road car. With capacity increased to 6.0-litres and power up to 600bhp, a top end of around 288 km/h is achievable.

The front and rear track has been widened, weight hugely reduced to 1150kg, much of this due to the use of composite materials, and aerodynamics improved, including the addition of an adjustable front spoiler and a large rear wing and diffuser at the rear. Adjustable damping, new suspension with revised geometry and beefed up Brembo brakes, all assist in the transformation from road car to racer.

After its two race track introduction late last year, the second event for the JMB-run cars being the closing FIA GT round at Monza, Ferrari have made minor aerodynamic and mechanical improvements as the 575 GTC prepares for a full season of sportscar racing worldwide in multiple hands.

JMB will run three cars this season, at least two in the FIA GT series, the new Giesse-sponsored GPC outfit will run a brace in the same series, while the third confirmed FIA GT runners will be the Spanish Ferrari importer who through Cavallino Racing, will run at least one car as they make the step up to Europe's premier sportscar series after several successful years in the Ferrari Challenge.

The brand-new Le Mans Endurance Series is expected to feature the 575 GTC with another team, Barron Connor Racing, also making the move up the ladder from the European Ferrari Challenge. Barron Connor, who have named former Indy 500 winner, CART Champion and ex-F1 star Danny Sullivan, in their line-up will kick their year off by entering the prestigious Sebring 12 Hours in March with two cars.