As the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans entered its crucial stages, AF Corse’s Ferrari contingent, adorned with the prestigious Prancing Horse emblem, found itself embroiled in a gripping tale of triumphs and tribulations.
From the outset, Ferrari’s number 83 machine, helmed by the talented trio of Yifei Ye, Robert Shwartzman, and Robert Kubica, showcased dominance, dictating the pace and leading the illustrious race until the eighth hour. Supported by the consistent performance of AF Corse’s two 499Ps, including car number 50 with Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen at the helm, Ferrari appeared poised for glory.
However, fate took a dramatic turn past midnight when Kubica, behind the wheel of the 499P, encountered adversity in the form of a collision with a BMW at 10:40 p.m. The ensuing 30-second penalty during the 14th pit stop dented Ferrari’s lead, ushering in a wave of uncertainty.
As if navigating through a storm, intermittent rain swept across the circuit, injecting further complexity into an already intense race. Off-track incidents punctuated the night, yet the resilience of the drivers ensured their safety amid the chaos.
The climax arrived during a spell of heavier rainfall, triggering a prolonged Safety Car period from 3:44 to 9 a.m. Reduced visibility and treacherous aquaplaning forced a pause in proceedings, with the Hypercars grappling for supremacy having completed 169 grueling laps.
Emerging from the enforced hiatus, the landscape had shifted. Porsche’s number 6 machine surged into the lead, leaving Ferrari’s 499P number 83, commandeered by Kubica, in fifth place. Nielsen, at the helm of car number 50, valiantly held onto sixth position, while the number 51 Hypercar, guided by Giovinazzi, found itself in eleventh, setting the stage for a thrilling final showdown.
Despite the setbacks, AF Corse’s Ferrari brigade refused to yield, epitomizing the spirit of endurance racing. With hours left on the clock, the stage is set for a gripping finale, where skill, strategy, and sheer determination will determine the ultimate victor amidst the storied confines of Le Mans.
