58 years after their last victory at the iconic venue, Ferrari returned and unexpectedly took the victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours 100th anniversary race, defeating the overwhelming favorites, Toyota.
The number 51 Ferrari crossed the line in first place thanks to the efforts of three drivers, James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi and former Formula One driver Antonio Giovinazzi.
With some new rules that allowed for some so-called “hypercar” designs, Ferrari led a parade of manufacturers returning to the race, including Peugeot, Porsche and Cadillac.
Toyota has been dominant in endurance racing with their GR010 and has won every race in the World Endurance Championship this season and was expected to win the 2023 LeMans as well, but Ferrari stuck with them in the early hours of racing and the deciding point finally emerged when Toyota’s Ryo Hirakawa spun out as the race neared its conclusion, allowing Ferrari to capitalize.
General Motors’ Cadillac finished out the podium in the third position.
