Along with the Ford GT, the 458 Italia was one of the most highly anticipated cars in the LM GTE Pro class...and it did not disappoint. At Silverstone and Spa-Francorchamps, its first two World Endurance Championship (WEC) races ended in as many victories for British-Italian duo Sam Bird-Davide Rigon.

But its troubles at the 24 Hours of Le Mans threatened to prove costly. After a third win at the 6 Hours of Nürburgring (this time with James Calado-Gianmaria Bruni, AF Corse's other British-Italian duo), a fierce battle was on the menu with the Aston Martin and the Ford GT. After Aston Martin Racing's problems at the Bahrain closing round, the unfailing reliability and consummate experience of AF Corse allowed Ferrari to clinch its fourth FIA World Endurance GT Manufacturer Cup in five WEC seasons.

In addition to the satisfaction of giving the Italian manufacturer a new World Cup, in 2016 AF Corse made its mark for the first time on the FIA Endurance LM GTE Am Drivers and Teams Trophy, with the Ferrari 458 Italia. Already a technical partner of the 8Star Motorsports and SMP Racing teams, title-winners in this class in 2013 and 2015 respectively, the Italian team had never been crowned in LM GTE Am. Now it's a done deal thanks to Emmanuel Collard, François Perrodo and Rui Aguas who also proved to be highly reliable.

Add to this impressive record a new win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans thanks to American team Scuderia Corsa, winner in the LM GTE Am class. It was the fourth Le Mans victory for the 458 Italia, already a winner in 2012 and 2014 in LM GTE Pro with AF Corse, then in 2015 in LM GTE Am with SMP Racing. With a World Cup and three LM GTE Pro wins in 2016, the 488 GTE is already on the heels of its prestigious predecessor...

Photo: The 488 GTE reached the top step on the LM GTE Pro podium. Will it be the next Ferrari to win the class at the 24 Hours of Le Mans? Time will tell...