Ferrari Triumphs at 24 Hours of Le Mans 2024
In a remarkable display of endurance and racing prowess, the Ferrari AF Corse team has emerged victorious at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans 2024. The Danish driver Nicklas Nielsen, alongside his teammates Miguel Molina and Antonio Fuoco, secured a hard-fought victory for the #50 Ferrari 499P, making it a double podium for the iconic Italian manufacturer.
The two Ferrari entries qualified on the second row of the grid and quickly asserted their dominance, with Nielsen taking the lead on the opening lap. Throughout the race, the Ferraris battled neck-and-neck with the formidable Porsche and Cadillac challengers, showcasing the sheer capabilities of the 499P.
Despite facing numerous challenges, including a lengthy safety car period due to inclement weather and a door issue on the #50 car, the Ferrari squad demonstrated their resilience and strategic acumen. Nielsen, cool and composed, nursed the car to the finish line, crossing it just 14 seconds ahead of the hard-charging #7 Toyota.
“The last lap was very long, impossible to imagine. I worried about avoiding any risks and getting to the finish line as quickly as possible,” Nielsen expressed after the race. “The victory seemed very difficult for part of the race, even at the end, when we had a problem with the door. But then everything went well. I’m speechless. I’m very proud of everyone.”
The victory at the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans marks a significant milestone for the Ferrari team, as they have now achieved glory at both the prestigious endurance race and the 2024 Monaco Grand Prix, a feat last accomplished by Alfa Romeo in 1934.
The result also has major implications for the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) standings, with Ferrari now in second place in the manufacturers’ championship, just 9 points behind the previously dominant Porsche. The #50 crew have also narrowed the gap to the leading Porsche Penske Motorsport drivers in the drivers’ standings.
As the WEC season continues, all eyes will be on Ferrari as they aim to prove their Le Mans triumph was no fluke, with the next round scheduled for the 6 Hours of São Paulo on July 14th. The Italian manufacturer will be eager to maintain their momentum and solidify their position as a force to be reckoned with in the world of endurance racing.
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