Ferrari's #51 499P Hypercar entrusted to Alessandro Pier Guidi/James Calado/Antonio Giovinazzi won the 24 Hours Centenary after completing 342 laps. The Italian manufacturer marked its return to the top endurance racing class with a historic victory after a 50-year hiatus. Antonio Giovinazzi: "It was an extraordinary moment for me and for the team. Don't forget, the car only first hit the track a few months before the race, so to win in our first attempt was extremely special."

How did a 12-volt battery almost put a stick in Ferrari's Centenary spokes?

Ferrari overcame difficult weather and maintained a relentlessly high pace to beat Toyota, Cadillac, Peugeot, Glickenhaus, Vanwall and Porsche after an intense 24-hour battle. Head of Ferrari GT Sporting Activities, Antonello Coletta: "We truly realised the extent of our achievement when we returned to Maranello and paraded the car in the streets of the city. I've worked for Ferrari for 20 years and never felt such elation. Every time we see shots of the race again, it's very moving."

The 499P clinched Ferrari's 10th overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans after 1949, 1954, 1958, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964 and 1965. The Italian carmaker's legacy at the race now boasts 39 wins (29 class victories).

The photo

Sunday 11 June 2023 at 16:13 local time. Ferrari AF Corse's #51 Ferrari 499P after crossing the finish line in victory at the Centenary. Alessandro Pier Guidi, driving the Hypercar, is joined by teammates James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi to head to the podium ceremony. They arrived in pit lane awash in well-deserved, endless cheers and applause. The Italian marque achieved a masterstroke by winning the legendary race with a new car and after a 50-year absence from the top class in endurance racing.

The #51 Ferrari 499P has been on post-win display at the 24 Hours Museum since 15 December.  

To learn more, go to the official website of the 24 Hours Museum.