In a striking celebration of Italian excellence, Ferrari joined forces with the National Aerobatic Team Frecce Tricolori for an unforgettable event that blended the thrill of endurance racing with the artistry of aerobatic flight. Held at the Rivolto Air Base in Friuli, home of the Italian Air Force’s 2nd Wing, the experience marked a symbolic and emotional launch into the 2026 FIA World Endurance Championship season.
At the heart of the event was the Ferrari 499P, the Hypercar that has already cemented its place in motorsport history with multiple victories, including a triumphant return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans after a 50-year absence. As Ferrari prepares to defend its world title in 2026, the 499P was given a unique “baptism” — a breathtaking flypast by the Frecce Tricolori, trailing the iconic green, white, and red smoke across the sky.
The show reached its peak as James Calado took the wheel of the number 51 Ferrari 499P on the runway, coordinating with the aerial display above. Meanwhile, his teammates — Antonio Giovinazzi, Antonio Fuoco, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and Nicklas Nielsen — experienced the sky firsthand. Each climbed aboard the Aermacchi MB-339 jets, enduring 35 minutes of intense aerobatic maneuvers that pushed their physical limits far beyond even the extreme demands of endurance racing.
Despite being accustomed to speeds exceeding 300 km/h, the drivers were visibly overwhelmed by the forces encountered in flight. Giovinazzi, who has competed at the highest levels including Formula 1, described it as “the most intense experience of my life.”
The event not only celebrated speed and precision but also symbolized a shared spirit between two icons of Italian performance: Ferrari on the ground and the Frecce Tricolori in the sky. Both represent the pinnacle of engineering, discipline, and national pride — ambassadors of Italy’s technological and cultural excellence.
The Frecce Tricolore show crowned a week that saw the launch of the 499P at Museo Enzo Ferrari di Modena,

“The goal for 2026 is to defend the leadership we achieved last year,” explained Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti,. “It will not be an easy task because our rivals are becoming increasingly competitive and many of them are fielding updated cars, while we have made a different choice, as we believe the 499P is still competitive enough to fight at the highest level.
We will approach the season race by race with the aim of achieving the best possible results. Our philosophy is to always look ahead, not to dwell on past achievements, not even after an unforgettable season like 2025, when we experienced the unique emotion of bringing a world title in the top class of endurance racing back to Maranello after more than 50 years.
We will face this new challenge with maximum focus, without being affected if things do not always go our way. Our drivers have great experience, so I am confident that none of them will feel the pressure of starting the season as reigning World Champion
Ferrari’s leadership, including CEO Benedetto Vigna and Head of Endurance Antonello Coletta, emphasized that while the team enters 2026 as reigning champions, the focus remains firmly on the future. With increasingly competitive rivals and evolving technologies, Ferrari has chosen to rely on the proven strength of the 499P rather than introducing a radically updated car.
As Coletta noted, the goal is clear: defend the championship with determination, humility, and relentless focus. The message is consistent with Ferrari’s philosophy — never dwell on past success, even after a historic season, but continue striving for excellence.
With engines ready to roar at Imola for the season opener, and the echoes of jet engines still ringing in their ears, Ferrari’s drivers head into 2026 with renewed inspiration — having quite literally reached new heights.