Ferrari Secures Historic 24 Hours of Le Mans Victory
Le Mans, France – In a decisive performance, the #83 AF Corse Ferrari 499P, driven by Robert Kubica, Ye Yifei, and Philip Hanson, clinched Ferrari’s twelfth overall victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, marking the team’s third consecutive win. This triumph is particularly significant, as it represents the first Le Mans win for both Kubica and Ye, who become the first drivers from Poland and China, respectively, to achieve this milestone.
The AF Corse Ferrari maintained dominance throughout the race, skillfully navigating challenges with minimal errors. The vehicle clinched victory following a strategic final pit stop for fuel and tires, allowing Kubica to finish strongly.
Trailing closely behind was the #6 Porsche Penske Motorsport 963, featuring Laurens Vanthoor, Kevin Estre, and Matt Campbell, who finished in second place just 14 seconds behind. The team’s performance started from the back of the Hypercar class, ultimately falling short of securing the historic endurance Triple Crown, which would have celebrated victories at Daytona and Sebring earlier this season.
The factory Ferrari entry #51 secured third place with Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi at the wheel, followed by the #50 entry driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen in fourth. The #12 Cadillac Hertz Team JOTA V-Series.R rounded out the top five with a total of 385 laps completed.
In the LMP2 category, the #43 Inter Europol Competition ORECA 07-Gibson, driven by Kuba Smiechkowski, Tom Dillmann, and Nick Yelloly, claimed victory after regaining the lead in the final hour, despite a pit lane speeding penalty. The leading position shifted when the lead contender faced mechanical issues, allowing Yelloly to capitalize and secure the win with about 20 minutes remaining.
LMP2 Pro/Am honors went to the #199 AO by TF ORECA, driven by PJ Hyett, Dane Cameron, and Louis Deletraz, who achieved a commendable third overall in the class.
In the GTE category, Manthey Racing celebrated a back-to-back victory with their #92 Manthey 1st Phorm Porsche 911 LMGT3 R, driven by Ryan Hardwick, Riccardo Pera, and Richard Lietz, the latter securing his sixth major class win at Le Mans.
The race concluded with a compelling display of endurance racing, once again highlighting the strategic depth and competitive spirit inherent in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
