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Ferrari launched its racing version of the 458 Italia in December last year, and life was good.

The idea is that GTC racer would be sold to vetted and Ferrari-approved privateer teams, and Houston-based Risi Competizione is one race outfit given the big tick by Maranello. It ran the 458 GT at last weekend's 12 Hours of Sebring race.

Risi's 458 GT produces 346kW - thanks to regulated air restrictors - and was handled by long-time Ferrari drivers Jaime Melo and Toni Vilander.

Sadly, the car made it to within 90 minutes of the finish before succumbing to an electrical gremlin. How un-Italian... Click through for more pics of Risi's contender, and the factory-fresh 458 GTC...