Factory Ferrari GT driver Alessio Rovera is currently not under consideration for a move up to the Hypercar class of the World Endurance Championship with AF Corse in 2026, according to the Italian manufacturer.
A member of Ferrari’s factory stable since 2022, Rovera is seen as one of the hottest prospects in LMGT3, completing this season in the #21 AF Corse Ferrari 296 GT3 with Francois Perrodo and Simon Mann.
Rovera was handed the opportunity to drive the Ferrari 499P in last weekend’s Bahrain rookie test, where he racked up 74 laps and set a best time of 1m51.297s.
A graduation to the Hypercar ranks is seen as a natural next step for the 30-year-old, who already has prototype experience thanks to his 2022 LMP2 programme in the WEC and a title-winning campaign in the European Le Mans Series last year.
While the door to a Hypercar seat in the future remains open, Ferrari technical director Ferdinando Cannizzo ruled out the possibility of Rovera making the step next year.
Asked if the 30-year-old could race AF Corse’s satellite #83 Ferrari 499P in 2026, Cannizzo said: “At the moment, this is not on the table. But if something changes during the winter, why not?
“It’s clear that Alessio is an asset for us.”
He added: «It’s clear that he’s one of the most important drivers in the young driver [roster] of Ferrari. He is the first reserve of our cars. And when the chance will arrive, I’m sure that Alessio is one of our drivers in pole position.”
#21 Vista AF Corse Ferrari 296 LMGT3: Alessio Rovera
Photo by: Shameem Fahath / Motorsport Network
Rovera scored the Le Mans 24 Hours/title double in the GTE Am class in 2021, sharing a Ferrari 488 GTE with Francois Perrodo and current Hypercar racer Nicklas Nielsen. He also added a GT World Challenge Endurance Cup title alongside Alessandro Pier Guidi to his list of accolades in 2024.
The Italian admitted that his goal is to land a seat in Hypercar next year, but is open to spending another season in LMGT3, especially after he and team-mates Simon Mann and Francois Heriau missed out on the 2025 title to Manthey Porsche trio Ryan Harwick, Richard Lietz and Riccardo Pera.
Ferrari is introducing a mid-cycle refresh of the 296 GT3 in 2026, three years after the car made its debut to replace the outgoing 488 GT3.
“I think there is always a chance [to race in Hypercar], but it’s too early to say,” he said. “I would like it, it would be nice. But if it’s not the case for next year, I will be focused on the LMGT3, which is still so important.
“After we finished P2 this year, maybe next year there is another step. So we will try again with the evo car.”
Kubica undecided on 2026
Any vacancies in the #83 Ferrari would likely depend on whether Robert Kubica stays in the championship next year.
The Polish driver scored his maiden victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours this year, together with Phil Hanson and Yifei Ye, and has been coy about his plans for 2026.
Asked prior to the Bahrain finale if he is any closer to finalising his programme, Kubica said: “I’m as close and as far as I was one month ago.
“I just want to finish the season. I’m 40 years old, we are P2 in the championship and it would be nice to fight for a title. That’s why my focus goes to this, as I don’t know if I will have another chance in the future.
“This is my priority. Once the race is finished, first I will rest on Sunday, and then from Monday I will make up my mind.”
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