Before Ferrari’s victorious return to Le Mans in 2023, their last serious attempt at an outright win came in 1973 with the 312 PB, which finished second.
This creates the impression of a 50-year gap between Ferrari’s competitive sports prototypes. However, 30 years ago, Ferrari built the F333 SP, a highly successful yet largely forgotten racing car.
The F333 SP was conceived by Gianpiero Moretti, the founder of Momo steering wheels, who convinced Ferrari to create a sports prototype for the American IMSA World Sports Car series.
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Debuting in 1994, the car was aimed at private teams and quickly gained popularity. It was powered by a high-revving F1-based V12 engine, producing 650 horsepower at 9,000 rpm, and featured advanced carbon fiber and aluminum construction with F1-style suspension.
The F333 SP’s racing debut at Road Atlanta saw a 1-2 finish, and it continued to dominate, securing multiple wins in 1994. In 1995, it claimed victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring, marking Ferrari’s first win there since 1972. The car also led Ferrari back to Le Mans, although it never matched the legendary successes of earlier models, with its best result being sixth in 1997.
Despite its lack of Le Mans glory, the F333 SP enjoyed remarkable success, winning the Daytona 24-hour race in 1998 and dominating both the International Sports Racing Series and the FIA Sportscar Championship. Its competitiveness lasted from 1994 to 2001, earning 47 wins and 12 major championships.
The F333 SP is largely forgotten because its victories were mostly in America and it wasn’t a factory-backed effort. Additionally, sports car racing during that era didn’t attract the same level of attention as in previous decades. However, with the resurgence of interest in sports car racing, fueled by the industry’s move towards electrification, Ferrari and other top manufacturers are now back in the game.
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