Pierre Kaffer (left) is back in the second Risi Ferrari to aid the title challenge for full-season drivers Gianmaria Bruni (center) and Jaime Melo (right). Photo credit: Rick Dole for Michelin North America

Risi Competizione is pulling out all the stops in their quest to capture the drivers’ and teams’ championship while also helping to secure the prestigious manufacturer’s championship for Ferrari. For the fourth time in five races this season, the team has entered its second car to aid their main No. 62 F430 GT.

For Jaime Melo, this weekend sees all three of his co-drivers from the 2008, ’09 and ’10 seasons spread between the two cars. Mika Salo (2008) and Pierre Kaffer (2009) are in the No. 61 with Melo joined by his current co-driver Gianmaria “Gimmi” Bruni in No. 62.

Although Kaffer has only entered one race so far this season, he still sits seventh in the GT class points, ahead of six full-season teams and drivers. Kaffer gained 30 points from a win with Melo and Bruni at the 12 Hours of Sebring in March.

“Of course I’m looking forward to going back to race in America, especially with Mika as I think we will be a strong combination and we’ll have a chance to fight for a podium finish,” Kaffer said. “Every championship I’m racing in this year has strong opponents, but I like the American race tracks a lot more so I’m excited to be back in the ALMS.”

Kaffer and Melo finished second to the No. 45 Flying Lizard Porsche at Lime Rock last year. Salo makes his first ALMS start since the 2009 Petit Le Mans, which he won with Kaffer and Melo.

“The chance to do this race came about quite suddenly but I’m looking forward to it,” Salo said. “With so many cars it’s going to be like a rally cross race or something – there will be lots of contact. We have to try to avoid other cars from the first practice onwards and I expect all the sessions to be interrupted by red flags because of incidents.”