24 Hours of Le Mans 2023: Ferrari claim sensational win on return, Toyota take second place

Ferrari claimed a sensational win on their return to the 24 Hours of Le Mans with their #51 car of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Alessandro Pier Guidi. They took the chequered flag 1:21.793 ahead of their nearest competitor, securing the first Le Mans win in 58 years for the manufacturer. “I’m so emotional, it’s unbelievable – just a great feeling,” said a near enough speechless Giovinazzi after the race.

Calado added: “I feel amazing. It hasn’t sunk in yet — the emotions are really strange. I’m happy for the team; it’s a great achievement and after so long [without a win for Ferrari], this will go down in history for sure.” Ad Title defenders Toyota had to settle for second on this occasion, losing any hope for victory with a late driving error.

“We gave it our all; we were the underdogs today and for most of the race we had the slower car,” said Brendon Hartley who put in a stellar effort to try hunt down the #51. “It came to us a bit in the end with the hotter track temperatures, and the last stints I did were probably the best I’ve ever done. Le Mans 24hr‘He is in shock!’ – Watch the celebrations as Ferrari win Le Mans on return at centenary raceAN HOUR AGO “Accidents happen, it could have happened to any of us and it happened to many guys out there – we have full support for Ryo [Hirakawa].

The goal was to go maximum attack and that’s what we did.” Sebastien Buemi stormed to the lead in the #8 Toyota at the start of the race and maintained it after the first safety car phase caused by a damaged barrier. The first major reshuffle came just under three hours in when the rain arrived in Le Mans and brought a lengthy safety car period with it. Both Ferraris came into their own at the restart and inherited a