FIA WEC: Bruni confirmed at Porsche, Pier Guidi to race with Ferrari

After several months of rumours and speculation, Gianmaria Bruni now has been officially confirmed as a new Porsche works pro driver. With the signing of Bruni, Porsche has now bolstered its GT works driver squad for their return to the FIA WEC with the new mid-engined 911 RSR. As one of the most successful and experienced sports car pilots, the 35-year-old Italian will undertake tests from June and contest races in the USA from July for Porsche. Bruni won't (be able to) race in the FIA WEC or the 24 Hours of Le Mans this season.

© Porsche

The Italian driver, who has been racing with AF Corse since 2012 celebrated his greatest success at Le Mans as well as in the World Endurance Championship WEC. Bruni won the GT class at Le Mans in 2008, 2012 and 2014. In the WEC he won the GTE-Pro championship title in 2013 and 2014. He was also successful at Sebring, Spa, the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup and the Le Mans Series. 

“We’re delighted to welcome Gianmaria Bruni, one of the world’s top GT pilots, into our squad,” says Head of Porsche Motorsport, Dr. Frank-Steffen Walliser. “He fits perfectly into our strong circle of works drivers and will join us for the second half of the season.

© Ferrari

Alessandro Pier Guidi will replace Gianmaria Bruni in the FIA World Endurance Championship this year. Pier Guidi has been racing with Ferrari for several years, as from this year as a factory driver. He will join James Calado in the #51 AF Corse Ferrari F488 GTE, as was announced yesterday morning by Ferrari.

Ferrari held a driver shootout with 4 possible replacement drivers for Bruni earlier this month. Pier Guidi, Alex Riberas, Nyck De Vries and Miguel Molina all took part in the test. De Vries and Pier Guidi emerged as the most suited drivers, the experience of Pier Guidi with Ferrari in the past will have landed him the final seat in the FIA WEC.

Kristof Vermeulen.