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GRAND-AM
GRAND-AM: Beretta Begins New Chapter With Ferrari
Former Corvette driver to make Ferrari debut at 50th Rolex 24 at Daytona...
Olivier Beretta steps into Risi Competizione's Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am, in what begins the latest chapter of his storied GT career. (Photo: Regis Lefebure/Risi Competizione)
With five American Le Mans Series GT1 championships, six class victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and multiple other accolades, Olivier Beretta has undoubtedly been the most successful GT driver of the past decade. And after an eight-year stint with Corvette Racing, the Monegasque ace has made a switch to Ferrari for 2012.
Beretta joined Risi Competizione at the recent GRAND-AM Roar Before The Rolex 24 test at Daytona International Speedway, preparing for what will be his first race in a Prancing Horse later this month.
“It's a dream come true for me,” Beretta told SPEED.com. “From the time I was a kid, actually before I even tried a go-kart, my Uncle had a Daytona GTB Ferrari. That was the first time I got some speed.
“I am half-Italian, too, so running with Ferrari is a passion. It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm really, really happy. I have to thank Ferrari and Risi for having given me this opportunity.”
While having made it to Formula One in the mid-90s, Beretta’s claim to fame came in sports car racing, having joined the factory ORECA Dodge Viper program in 1997 and eventually going onto win two FIA GT Championships.
Beretta was also a part of the French squad’s historic overall win in the 2000 Rolex 24 at Daytona, his last attempt a the twice-around-the-clock Florida endurance classic, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
“Returning to Daytona with Risi Competizione is fantastic,” he said. “Last time I was here in 2000, I won it with ORECA. There's still a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but I am a like a child realizing his dream.”
Despite being in a new environment with a brand-new car, Risi’s Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am, Beretta didn’t waste any time getting up to speed in the mid-engined sports car and was right on the pace with co-drivers Andrea Bertolini and Toni Vilander at the Daytona test.
While Beretta’s 2012 program beyond Daytona has yet to be officially announced, but believed to be in the FIA World Endurance Championship with AF Corse, the latest chapter in his already storied career is already turning into one of the most satisfying for GT racing’s top ace.
“We always like what we do, because it's what we have loved since we were kids,” he said. “But when you drive a car that gives you the passion and history that Ferrari has, and with the story I had while I was a child... It's really something special for me.
“I cannot ask for more. When I had the opportunity, I was super, super happy. Since that day, my smile has been back.
“It's not a job anymore but a passion.”
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
Beretta joined Risi Competizione at the recent GRAND-AM Roar Before The Rolex 24 test at Daytona International Speedway, preparing for what will be his first race in a Prancing Horse later this month.
“It's a dream come true for me,” Beretta told SPEED.com. “From the time I was a kid, actually before I even tried a go-kart, my Uncle had a Daytona GTB Ferrari. That was the first time I got some speed.
“I am half-Italian, too, so running with Ferrari is a passion. It's a wonderful opportunity and I'm really, really happy. I have to thank Ferrari and Risi for having given me this opportunity.”
While having made it to Formula One in the mid-90s, Beretta’s claim to fame came in sports car racing, having joined the factory ORECA Dodge Viper program in 1997 and eventually going onto win two FIA GT Championships.
Beretta was also a part of the French squad’s historic overall win in the 2000 Rolex 24 at Daytona, his last attempt a the twice-around-the-clock Florida endurance classic, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.
“Returning to Daytona with Risi Competizione is fantastic,” he said. “Last time I was here in 2000, I won it with ORECA. There's still a long way to go and a lot of work to do, but I am a like a child realizing his dream.”
Despite being in a new environment with a brand-new car, Risi’s Ferrari F458 Italia Grand Am, Beretta didn’t waste any time getting up to speed in the mid-engined sports car and was right on the pace with co-drivers Andrea Bertolini and Toni Vilander at the Daytona test.
While Beretta’s 2012 program beyond Daytona has yet to be officially announced, but believed to be in the FIA World Endurance Championship with AF Corse, the latest chapter in his already storied career is already turning into one of the most satisfying for GT racing’s top ace.
“We always like what we do, because it's what we have loved since we were kids,” he said. “But when you drive a car that gives you the passion and history that Ferrari has, and with the story I had while I was a child... It's really something special for me.
“I cannot ask for more. When I had the opportunity, I was super, super happy. Since that day, my smile has been back.
“It's not a job anymore but a passion.”
John Dagys is SPEED.com’s Sportscar Racing Reporter, focusing on all major domestic and international championships. You can follow him on Twitter @johndagys or email him at
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