Ferrari to Return to Grid with New Two-Car Team

Ferrari returned to the grid with a new two-car team.

The current generation of Ferrari cars will return to Australia in 2024 with a newly formed team called Fanatec GT World Challenge, based on the AWS grid.

Perth-based Arise Racing, known for its involvement in the marque’s extreme racing, has partnered with Lance East to bring a pair of factory-new Ferrari 296 GT3s to market. This will be the first time the current Ferrari GT3 has appeared in series since Maranello Motorsport fielded 488 GT3s at the opening round of the 2021 season.

Lance East owner Lawrence Escalante has been linked to Ferrari through gaming company VGW, which was announced last year as a “premium partner” for the marque’s Maranello Formula 1 team. The newly formed team will form a wider partnership with Ferrari to boost sales of the marque’s GT cars across Australia.

“I’ve followed GT racing from afar, so this is a real thrill and a unique opportunity to start a new team from Ferraris Racing’s base in Perth,” Escalante said. “Like business, motor racing and all top sports are highly competitive, performance oriented, require teamwork and being part of a team is an exciting challenge.

“I’m excited to see what the team and partners can achieve.”

Arise Racing GT is driven by Australian Jordan On, who has also competed at Formula 3 level in Europe. “We are very excited about Arise Racing GT this year and beyond,” said Oon. “There are many uncertainties but we are working hard to bring the drivers and teams together ahead of a great season. “We want to see the category grow. We would like to see more international players and see the Australian Championships recognized globally. The class has had its ups and downs over the years, but is clearly on the rise.

“We are preparing for the future. We don’t want to stay here for a year or two. “We see this as a long-term program and we want to make it sustainable.”