Conquest Racing
Riccardo Patrese made 256 Formula 1 starts — one of the most in F1 history — and won the 1992 San Marino Grand Prix. He was Williams' lead driver alongside Nigel Mansell. Now his son, Gianluca Patrese, carries the family name forward in a Ferrari GT3 at Sebring. The continuity of racing families across generations is one of motorsport's most compelling stories.
Race Entry
About Conquest Racing
Conquest Racing is a racing team with a long history in North American motorsport, including previous appearances at the Indianapolis 500 — the most famous oval race in the world. Their Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO entry in IMSA GTD represents a transition from open-wheel racing to sportscar competition, bringing organizational experience from the highest levels of American motorsport.
The team's Indianapolis heritage means they understand big-event motorsport: the logistics of a major race weekend, the importance of preparation and reliability, and the media attention that comes with competing at marquee events. Sebring is one of those marquee events, and Conquest Racing approaches it with appropriate respect and professionalism.
The Car: Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO
The Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO is Ferrari's most modern GT3 car — a twin-turbocharged V6 mid-engine racer built from the 296 GTB road car. Ferrari's presence in GT3 through multiple customer teams (Conquest, Risi Competizione, Triarsi Competizione, AF Corse USA, Inception Racing) reflects the depth of Ferrari's customer racing program and the competitive quality of the 296 GT3 EVO platform.
Ferrari's customer racing network — Ferrari Competizioni GT — provides technical support, setup data, and factory engineer access to teams like Conquest Racing. Running in red, with the prancing horse badge, carries an unmistakable presence in the IMSA paddock.
The Patrese Legacy
Riccardo Patrese is one of Formula 1's most respected and long-serving drivers. His 256 Grand Prix starts span from 1977 to 1993 — an era covering the turbocharged 1980s and the naturally aspirated 1990s. He won six Formula 1 races, was a consistent front-runner, and served as Nigel Mansell's teammate at Williams during the dominant 1992 season. His son Gianluca growing up around racing royalty and pursuing his own career in GT3 is a natural extension of that heritage.
Marc-Antoine Franco is a professional GT racing driver who brings technical expertise and pace to the Conquest Racing lineup. His professional credentials provide the competitive foundation that allows the team to target meaningful GTD class results.
Lucas Costa is a professional racing driver who completes the technical driver pairing alongside Franco. Together, the two professionals share the bulk of the race day driving responsibilities, managing the car's condition over the 12-hour distance.
Gianluca Patrese (Italy) is the son of Formula 1 legend Riccardo Patrese, carrying one of motorsport's most famous surnames into the modern GT3 era. Growing up as the child of an F1 driver immerses you in motorsport culture from birth — the speed, the precision, the strategy, and the passion are part of your world from childhood. Gianluca's participation at Sebring with Conquest Racing brings a piece of F1 history into the modern IMSA paddock and continues a racing family's multi-generational story.
Who was Riccardo Patrese?
Riccardo Patrese made 256 F1 starts (1977-1993), winning 6 Grand Prix including the 1983 South African GP and 1991 Mexican GP. He was Williams' lead driver alongside Nigel Mansell in 1992 and is remembered as one of F1's most consistent and professional competitors of his era.
What is GTD?
GTD allows a mix of professional and gentleman drivers, requiring at least one Silver-rated or lower amateur per car. Learn more →