Ferrari Hypercar Meets Misfortune, Still Conquers At Le Mans

Ferrari secured its second consecutive victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, overcoming challenges from Toyota and Porsche in a race heavily affected by weather conditions.

The team of Nicklas Nielsen, Antonio Fuoco, and Miguel Molina finished 14 seconds ahead of Toyota's Nyck de Vries, Kamui Kobayashi, and Jose Maria Lopez. The No. 51 Ferrari–the 2023 Le Mans winner– driven by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado, and Antonio Giovinazzi, completed the podium in third.

The race, known for its prestige in the sports car world, saw rain and fog bring out the safety car early in the morning. Ferrari, Toyota, Cadillac and Porsche were all competing for the lead at various points during the 24-hour race.

After an extended overnight safety car period lasting several hours, the No. 50 Ferrari made a decisive move in the final six hours. Fuoco advanced up the grid just before yet another downpour. Nielsen then handled a late challenge when a flapping door and a stuck door latch saw the team receive a mechanical black and orange flag, necessitating an unscheduled pit stop which put the Ferrari off sequence from its rivals.

Somehow, in the ensuing chaos and pit cycles, the No.50 Ferrari managed to maintain the lead and secure the win, crossing the line with just 2% of the car's energy reserve remaining, a mere 14 seconds ahead of the quickly closing Toyota.

The win gives Ferrari its 11th overall victory at Le Mans which joins the 29 class win trophies at Maranello, for a total of 40 victories in the French endurance classic. By triumphing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the Monaco Formula 1 GP, Ferrari is the first manufacturer to win two of the world’s most prestigious races in the same year since 1934. Along with the Indianapolis 500, these two sporting events comprise the "Triple Crown of Motorsport".

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