REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 30 /PRNewswire/ -- Team Ferrari Silicon Valley enters an all-new racing team into the American Le Mans Series (ALMS), beginning its first competition this season on July 1st at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, CT. The team is managed by Risi Competizione is adding a new corporate team member this year: Advanced Micro Devices , a leading global technology company and Official Technology Partner of the Scuderia Ferrari Formula One team.
According to owner, Giacomo Mattioli, his Ferrari teams have played competitive roles in racing since 1994, beginning with the Ferrari Challenge Series, the only manufacturers' series fully sanctioned by Grand Am. "Ferrari has always been known for its high performance, high technology and successful racing ventures," said Mattioli. "We've stepped up to ALMS because it is the most prestigious and competitive professional sport car racing in the U.S., and we know we have the abilities to compete on the highest of levels."
With technology playing such an important role in Ferrari's successful racing efforts worldwide, AMD's participation with Team Silicon Valley is a logical choice. "Both AMD and Ferrari share a passion for innovation, competition and excellence," said Bill LaRosa, corporate vice president, North America, AMD. "Technology is at the forefront of motorsports," LaRosa continued. "As a technology leader headquartered in the Silicon Valley, and in line with our Ferrari technological partnership in Formula One, we are excited to support Ferrari's role in ALMS and the Ferrari of Silicon Valley Racing Team."
Recognized as the world's premier professional sports car Championship, ALMS has one of the richest racing traditions in all the motor sports, including the 24 hours of Le Mans. Silicon Valley and R. Ferri Competizione will compete in seven ALMS events in North America, beginning with Lime Rock (July 1st) and including Salt Lake (July 15), Portland (July 23), Road America (August 20), Mosport (September 3), Petit Le Mans (September 30) and Laguna Seca (October 21).
Team Silicon Valley will begin its 2006 season at Lime Rock with two European drivers, Toni Markus Vilander of Kankaanpaa, Finland and Ralf Kelleners of Dusseldorf, Germany.
* Vilander holds six wins in Italian F3 racing and numerous Italian
Championship podium spots. He began racing karts in 1987 and earned
"best Rookie" driver in 2002 for the Italian Championship, having
placed 2nd at both Magione and Mugello that year.
* Kelleners is a three time "Touring Car" European champion and is a past
winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans GT2 class. While racing Ferraris he
has earned several podium spots in the Rolex 24 at Daytona, as well as
the "fastest qualifying lap" in a Ferrari 333 SP. Kelleners has been
racing since 1986.
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