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For all of those GT-based programs, only two technical partners run the gamut: long-time partner Shell for lubricants, and the newest member of the Ferrari technical partner line-up, Motegi Racing, for the wheels.

In the case of Ferrari, not only on the GT racing side, but in Formula 1, too, technical partnerships are sacrosanct. If the product has no performance benefit, it isn’t used. One needs only compare the technical partners on the Ferrari 312T F1 car of 1975 and the SF70H of the current season to note that the likes of Brembo, Mahle, Magneti Marelli and SKF have endured as technical partners for all, or most, of the four decades between.

Today, all Ferrari 488 GTE/GTLM, 488 GT3 and 488 Challenge cars are now fitted with wheels from Motegi Racing.

“The requirements for our competition wheels are in constant evolution to adjust to the changing specifications of the chassis, powertrain and vehicle dynamics,” says Cannizzo. “GT racing is one of the most competitive types of auto racing, and as a wheel technical partner, Motegi Racing has a multi-dimensional task to work with our engineers, and also with different tire suppliers to optimize the package for better performance.”

Those requirements come to Motegi Racing only in the form of parameters for fit, car weight and other such requirements. Design, materials and the rest is up to Motegi Racing’s technical team. Lucaora recalls two examples where Motegi’s innovative thinking took advantage of the GTE/GTLM regulations. The first was the adoption of integrated wheel nuts that speed wheel changes and minimize the chance for errors during the pitstops. The second came from a request by Ferrari to have the wheel weight as close to the minimum limit as possible and meet the targets for stiffness. The regulations allow the limited use of magnesium, but this comes with several drawbacks. So Motegi Racing developed its own aluminum alloy that not only delivered the stiffness to weight target, but also comes with the manufacturing and servicing benefits of aluminum.

“Ferrari challenges us to bring these types of solutions,” says Lucaora. “We would not be in this role if we were not delivering the results.”

Ferrari partnerships are not only about performance, but also about commitment and trust. Motegi Racing has demonstrated its commitment, and with that has earned Ferrari’s trust.