Competition versions of the Ferrari 458 have already been prepared for the Ferrari Challenge, Grand Am, and the GT3 and GT2 classes at Le Mans and its various associated series around the world. Now you can add one more to the roster: the FIA GT1 World Championship.
Ferrari had previously left GT1 racing to the Maserati MC12, but Vitaphone Racing is switching from the Maser to an upgraded version off the BMW Z4 GT3. No announcement has been made identifying which team will field the GT1-spec 458, but whoever takes up the mantle faces a tough field tough field that includes the new McLaren MP4-12C GT3, Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3, Audi R8 LMS Ultra and Nissan GT-R. The Ford GT, Lamborghini Murcielago and Aston Martin DBR9 all follow the MC12 out of the series this season.
Series organizer SRO also announced that it has struck a deal with Pirelli to provide all the rubber for both the GT1 and GT3 series. Follow the jump for the official statement.