FERRARI RETURNS TO PREMIER CLASS AT LE MANS

The Maranello squad will field a brace of 499P Hypercars

© Ferrari s.p.a

Fans worldwide have fallen in love with the legendary names, cars, and manufacturers that dominate the motorsport industry. Ferrari and Le Mans are two examples of this, representing the pinnacle of endurance racing.

After an absence of 50 years, Ferrari is returning to the top class of the Centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans with two 499Ps. Ferrari - AF Corse will compete in round four of the FIA WEC 2023, fielding two cars: the number 50 Hypercar, crewed by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, and the number 51 car, with Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi.

The renowned "race of races" held at France's La Sarthe circuit is the centrepiece of the FIA World Endurance Championship season. Motor racing history has cemented the circuit's 38 turns, which span 13.626 kilometres.

Ferrari has had a successful season thus far, with three podium finishes and a reliable and competitive car. They head to France to continue their positive momentum and gain more experience as a team during their debut season with the Hypercar. Ferrari is currently second in the Manufacturers' standings, 33 points ahead of Toyota, making the upcoming event crucial for their standing in the championship. The winning car will receive 50 points. 

On Sunday, June 4th, there will be a test day, and two free practice sessions will follow. Then, on Wednesday, June 7th, Free Practice 1 will commence at 2 p.m., followed by qualifying at 7 p.m. and Free Practice 2 at 10 p.m. Lastly, on Thursday, June 8th, Free Practice 3 will begin at 3 p.m. The eight fastest qualifiers will participate in the Hyperpole at 8 p.m. The day will conclude with a fourth free practice session at 10 p.m.

You can watch the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which starts at 4 p.m. on June 10th, live from the drivers' perspective on Ferrari's 'YouTube' channel, where you can enjoy the onboard cameras on both 499Ps.

Antonello Coletta, Global Head of Endurance and Corse Clienti, said, "Ferrari returns to the top class after 50 years at the Centenary 24 Hours of Le Mans. It's an exciting time for us as we participate in the historic Le Mans 2023 event. Our Hypercars have proven reliable and competitive, and we're aiming for a podium place."

Ferdinando Cannizzo, Head of Endurance Race Cars, added, "We're excited for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, especially since it's been 50 years since we've been in the top class and during the race's centenary. We've prepared thoroughly and analyzed past races to improve. Our focus is on reliability, and we're eager to begin."