Ferrari ace Jaime Melo believes the new 458 can win the GTE-Pro class on its Le Mans 24 Hours debut.
Melo took Ferrari's last victory in the French classic, driving a 430 with Mika Salo and Pierre Kaffer in 2009. He failed to have a qualifying run on new tires this week, and was eighth fastest, nearly 2.5 seconds behind the GTE polesitting BMW. Gianmaria Bruni was the fastest 458, with a time almost two seconds quicker than Melo.
"I think everyone has the equipment and opportunity to win," said Melo, who will share the No. 59 Luxury Racing 458 with Stephane Ortelli and Frederic Makowiecki.
"The BMWs have very good speed, but we have a consistent car. The 458 is getting better, especially on the aero side, and every race we learn something. Our car has a lot of potential. We didn't have time to simulate a 24-hour run, so we're hoping everything goes well."