The Oak Tree Grand Prix at VIRginia International Raceway (VIR), August 21 -23in Danville, Virginia, is Round 8 of 10 for the GTLM class in the 2015 IMSA TUDOR United SportsCar Series.
The No. 62 Risi Competizione Ferrari 458 Italia with drivers, Pierre Kaffer (Germany) and Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy), are the defending champions in the GTLM class. They won last year's exciting race with a last lap, last corner pass over a rival Porsche. Additionally, Kaffer collected the pole position on his way to setting a new qualifying lap record and Fisichella was awarded the fastest lap of the race. Risi Competizione previously won at VIR in 2013 as well, with Olivier Beretta and Matteo Malucelli, in the Ferrari 458 Italia.
The talented Fisichella/Kaffer duo are just coming off another exciting race finish at Road America, where the opposite occurred when the Porsche passed Kaffer on the final lap for a one-two class finish and the Risi Ferrari had to settle for third place. The Risi Competizione quick pit stops, for which the team has been known, were instrumental in the outcome in both races. Risi Competizione has two other podium finishes this season, at Long Beach in April and Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in May.
The Risi Competizione Ferrari team is undoubtedly looking for the same final outcome in this year's Oak Tree Grand Prix, to stand on the top step of the podium, as they have for the past two years. However, this year's race will be a little different. For one thing, there will be no Prototype class cars, only GTLM and GTD cars. The current field of 19 cars will change the dynamic of the race, especially with only eight GTLM cars. Not only does the team anticipate more passing on the 17-turn 3.27-mile road course, but they feel there is less risk of accidents, thus perhaps a caution-free race. This would play another big part in pit stop strategy for the popular Rosso Corsa (racing red) Houston, Texas-based Ferrari 458 Italia team.
This weekend's VIR race will only be the second time either Fisichella or Kaffer have driven at the historic raceway, as both made their debut with their victory in 2014. Risi Competizione also competed at VIR in 2002, where they finished one-two in matching Lola B2K/40s with Anthony Lazzaro and Terry Borcheller winning and Nic Jonsson and Marino Franchitti finishing second.
GIANCARLO FISICHELLA, No. 62 Ferrari 458 Italia, Risi Competizione Driver:
What do you think about returning to VIR and what are your memories of last year's race?
"It's probably my favorite track here in America. Last year it was a fantastic race and one of the best races of my life. I have good memories, especially in the last corner when I overtook the Porsche and I won the race.It was still difficult, but it was a great race. Our car was good there. We were very comfortable so we hope to find the same balance as last year. We know it's going to be difficult, but we will try our best"
PIERRE KAFFER, No. 62 Ferrari 458 Italia, Risi Competizione Driver:
Tell us about returning to the VIR track, site of your second victory last year.
"VIR is one of my favorite tracks. I'm really looking forward to driving there again. Last year we had a really nice car there so we will see what happens this year."
What is your favorite part of the track?
"It's difficult to say because there are many things I like about the track. There are different elevation changes, fast corners, slow corners and it's suiting to our car. That's one of the reasons I'm looking forward to driving there again."
RICK MAYER, No. 62 Ferrari 458 Italia Risi Competizione Race Engineer:
You are headed back to the track at which the Risi team had a very exciting race and finish last year. Tell us about returning to VIR.
"VIR has been a very good track for our GTLM F458 and we've won the last two races here. The balance of performance has changed since last year in GTLM, but we hope it still favors us and we can have another great result."
The Risi Competizione team is knows to be the best and the quickest in the paddock on their pit stops. What makes this team so good?
"The teams pit work has been fantastic. They constantly practice and look for ways to improve the wheel changes, drivers changes and fueling attachment. All are very important. And with the competition so tight in GTLM quick pit work is pivotal for track position."
Both of the Risi drivers really like the VIR circuit. It's a classic American road course. What do you think makes this track so enjoyable to the drivers?
"VIR has a very flowing nature to it, with high speed and low speed corners. It's long been a driver favorite, and after the repaving and widening last year it's even better." DAVE SIMS, No. 62 Ferrari 458 Italia Risi Competizione Team Manager:
What is the key to the team's successful pit stops during the race?"Mainly it's because of consistency with practice. We practice a lot back at the shop and watch our own video of it and figure where we can gain. Every time we come back from a race we practice, try new things and different systems to make it the quickest and try to keep improving every time. We get input from everyone. It's a real team effort."
Carroll Shelby won the first race at VIR in 1957 in a Maserati 450s. How different are these GT cars here today from those cars 58 years ago?
"Those were front engine, front radiator cars. With the front engine cars and no real ventilation or air conditioning, the brake pedals would get really hot. They could burn your feet. Also, they had no data acquisition. The driver used to be the driver and more. He didn't rely on all the gadgets we have today so he had to report to the mechanics about conditions, camber and other things and they would make adjusts and then you would go back out. It was a whole different era. You've got to admire those guys. Technically it was another world. They were fast and powerful on the straight line speed but it was a little different going around corners without race tires, or slicks. And for refueling they just unscrewed a fuel can, had no protection, and just hope for the best. You've got to give it to them in those days. I'd never been to VIR until I went there with Risi. The track is relatively unheard of in Europe but it's a very nice circuit. It's a real driver's circuit."
Tune-In Information: Live coverage of the Oak Tree Grand Prix race airs live on FOX Sports 1 on Sunday, August 23 from 1:00 - 4:00 p.m. EDT. Live timing and scoring is available for all on-track sessions at IMSA.com and on the IMSA Smartphone app.
