How Ferrari could have won Le Mans outright in its factory absence

By:

Gary Watkins

Jun 8, 2023, 1:35 PM

It’s half a century since a factory Ferrari team was in with a shot of overall victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours. That changes this weekend for a marque that, in reality, has hardly been away from the race

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Ferrari is back and gunning for victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours after half a century. That statement needs to be qualified, twice over in fact. It’s back with a prototype and as a factory entrant. That’s what is new for 2023. Beyond the inevitable fanfare of the arrival of the 499P Le Mans Hypercar, it’s important to remember that the Italian manufacturer’s history at the French enduro and in the wider sportscar racing realm didn’t abruptly stop at the end of 1973.

The Prancing Horse has been active and successful on the hallowed asphalt of the Circuit de la Sarthe in the 50 years since. In the 49 editions of the great race since Ferrari’s fleet of 312PB three-litre prototypes ran Matra close for victory, a car bearing the marque’s famous shield has taken part at the French enduro on 37 occasions, a figure that includes a withdrawal and a did not start.

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Gary Watkins

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Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 33rd as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 80 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.

Gary, who also writes for Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton close to the former workshops of the Cooper Formula 1 team but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.