Photo: Edvvc · CC BY 2.0
The Ferrari 333 SP is a sports prototype developed by Ferrari at the suggestion of amateur racing driver Giampiero Moretti and presented in late 1993; it marked the marque's first official return to sports car racing since 1973. It was engineered for IMSA's new WSC class, which superseded the GTP cars. Dallara supplied the transmission, suspension, and aerodynamics, while Ferrari developed the chassis tub and the engine in-house—a V12 enlarged to 4.0 liters derived from the 641 Formula 1 car. Of the 40 chassis built, 26 were produced by Michelotto. From 1994 to 2001, the car achieved 56 victories in 144 races.
Summarized from the sources cited below; every figure in the text was automatically verified against the sources.
Good to know
- Amateur driver Giampiero Moretti, owner of MOMO, provided the impetus for the 333 SP.
- On its debut at Road Atlanta on April 17, 1994, the 333 SP finished in the top two positions.
- In 1994, Ferrari lost the Manufacturers' Championship to Oldsmobile because Ferrari had skipped the first two rounds at Daytona and Sebring.
- Engineer and consultant Tony Southgate later called the V12 one of the most reliable racing engines he had ever worked with.
Learn moreDevelopment and construction · The V12 · The early years · Later successes
Development and construction
Dallara provided the gearbox and suspension, developed the aerodynamics, and built the bodywork. Hewland mechanicals were housed within Dallara's gearbox casing. Ferrari developed the chassis tub and engine in-house. British racing car designer Tony Southgate joined the project in early 1994 and assisted with development and track operations through late 1995. Of the 40 chassis, Ferrari built the first 4, Dallara 11, and Michelotto the remaining 26; it is believed that 27 chassis were actively raced.
The V12
The Tipo F130E was a modified version of the 65-degree V12 from the 1990 641 Formula 1 car, enlarged from 3.5 to 4.0 liters. It produced 641 hp at 11,000 rpm, roughly 40 to 70 hp lower than the original engine. The Italian specifications table lists a curb weight of 860 kg for the car.
The early years
In 1994, the car triumphed at Road Atlanta and Lime Rock and won three further races, though the Manufacturers' Championship went to Oldsmobile. In 1995, Ferrari struck back: following a breakdown at Daytona, the team won the 12 Hours of Sebring and four additional races. Fermín Vélez won the Drivers' Championship, Mauro Baldi finished third, and Wayne Taylor fourth. On its Le Mans debut, the car was uncompetitive; the following year, the red No. 12 car entered by Risi Competizione won the LMP1 class.
Later successes
In 1997, the Ferrari won Sebring again along with four other races, but lost ground to the more modern Riley & Scott. In 1998, the slightly updated car found a new lease on life in the International Sports Racing Series: it won every round, with Emmanuel Collard and Vincenzo Sospiri taking the championship ahead of Didier Theys and Fredy Lienhard. In America, Ferrari captured the Manufacturers' Championship, and in USRRC Can-Am, the 333 SP finally won the 24 Hours of Daytona.
Summarized from the cited sources; every figure was automatically verified against the sources.
Frequently asked questions about the Ferrari 333 SP
When was the Ferrari 333 SP raced?
The Ferrari 333 SP was raced from 1994 to 2001.
How much power does the Ferrari 333 SP have?
Power of the Ferrari 333 SP: 641 hp.
What engine does the Ferrari 333 SP have?
Engine of the Ferrari 333 SP: 4.0 l naturally aspirated V12 Ferrari F130E. It sits behind the seats as a mid-engine.
How many Ferrari 333 SP were built?
Units built of the Ferrari 333 SP: 40 chassis.
Who engineered the Ferrari 333 SP?
Engineering of the Ferrari 333 SP: Mauro Rioli (Technical Director); Giampaolo Dallara (Technical Advisor); Dialma Zinelli (Aerodynamicist, Dallara); Giorgio Camaschella ….
Who drove the Ferrari 333 SP?
Drivers of the Ferrari 333 SP: Didier Theys, Mauro Baldi, Fredy Lienhard, Giampiero Moretti, Fermín Velez, Emmanuel Collard, Vincenzo Sospiri.
How many races did the Ferrari 333 SP win?
The Ferrari 333 SP took 56 wins in 144 races.
What are the predecessor and successor of the Ferrari 333 SP?
Predecessor: Ferrari 312 PB. Successor: Ferrari 499P.
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