Manufacturing unit Ferrari GT driver Alessio Rovera is at the moment not into account for a transfer as much as the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship with AF Corse in 2026, in line with the Italian producer.
A member of Ferrari’s manufacturing unit secure since 2022, Rovera is seen as one of many hottest prospects in LMGT3, finishing this season within the #21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 with Francois Perrodo and Simon Mann.
Rovera was handed the chance to drive the Ferrari 499P in final weekend’s Bahrain rookie take a look at, the place he racked up 74 laps and set a greatest time of 1m51.297s.
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A commencement to the Hypercar ranks is seen as a pure subsequent step for the 30-year-old, who already has prototype expertise due to his 2022 LMP2 programme within the WEC and a title-winning marketing campaign within the European Le Mans Sequence final yr.
Whereas the door to a Hypercar seat sooner or later stays open, Ferrari technical director Ferdinando Cannizzo dominated out the potential of Rovera making the step subsequent yr.
Requested if the 30-year-old might race AF Corse’s satellite tv for pc #83 Ferrari 499P in 2026, Cannizzo stated: “In the intervening time, this isn’t on the desk. But when one thing modifications in the course of the winter, why not?
“It is clear that Alessio is an asset for us.”
He added: “It is clear that he is probably the most necessary drivers within the younger driver [roster] of Ferrari. He’s the primary reserve of our vehicles. And when the prospect will arrive, I am certain that Alessio is considered one of our drivers in pole place.”
#21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3: Alessio Rovera
Photograph by: Shameem Fahath / Motorsport Community
Rovera scored the Le Mans 24 Hours/title double within the GTE Am class in 2021, sharing a Ferrari 488 GTE with Francois Perrodo and present Hypercar racer Nicklas Nielsen. He additionally added a GT World Problem Endurance Cup title alongside Alessandro Pier Guidi to his listing of accolades in 2024.
The Italian admitted that his purpose is to land a seat in Hypercar subsequent yr, however is open to spending one other season in LMGT3, particularly after he and team-mates Simon Mann and Francois Heriau missed out on the 2025 title to Manthey Porsche trio Ryan Harwick, Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera.
Ferrari is introducing a mid-cycle refresh of the 296 GT3 in 2026, three years after the automotive made its debut to switch the outgoing 488 GT3.
“I feel there’s all the time an opportunity [to race in Hypercar], nevertheless it’s too early to say,” he stated. “I would really like it, it could be good. But when it isn’t the case for subsequent yr, I shall be targeted on the LMGT3, which continues to be so necessary.
“After we completed P2 this yr, possibly subsequent yr there’s one other step. So we are going to strive once more with the evo automotive.”
Kubica undecided on 2026
Any vacancies within the #83 Ferrari would possible rely upon whether or not Robert Kubica stays within the championship subsequent yr.
The Polish driver scored his maiden victory on the Le Mans 24 Hours this yr, along with Phil Hanson and Yifei Ye, and has been coy about his plans for 2026.
Requested previous to the Bahrain finale if he’s any nearer to finalising his programme, Kubica stated: “I am as shut and so far as I used to be one month in the past.
“I simply need to end the season. I am 40 years outdated, we’re P2 within the championship and it could be good to struggle for a title. That is why my focus goes to this, as I do not know if I’ll have one other probability sooner or later.
“That is my precedence. As soon as the race is completed, first I’ll relaxation on Sunday, after which from Monday I’ll make up my thoughts.”
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