Not too long ago we posted a report about a possible Le Mans comeback for Ferrari in the top LMP1 category starting with the 2015 FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC).
While until now it was all speculation, Ferrari president Luca di Montezemolo has given hope to Le Mans enthusiasts by saying he would like to participate in the Le Mans 24 Hours with an LMP1 racing car.
“We have won with the 458 GTE, but I also quite like the idea of racing at the Le Mans 24 Hours in the highest category,” he said during his Christmas address to the factory. “Who knows, maybe one day we can return and win, say thanks and come home. Maybe we should give it some serious consideration,” di Montezemolo was quoted as saying by ESPN.
His words come a week after Antonello Coletta, head of Ferrari’s non-Formula 1 sporting programs, told Autosport that the company is analyzing the new energy-based P1 rulebook that applies from next season.
Ferrari is said to consider building an LMP1 car powered by its upcoming turbocharged 1.6-liter V6 Formula 1 engine and its dual energy recuperation systems. However, Coletta said right now Ferrari focuses on Formula One.
“At the moment we are concentrated on F1, so it would not be possible to do something else. That means that we cannot say Ferrari will be in LMP1, but we can also not say that Ferrari will not be in LMP1. We can also not say if our vision is for 2015, 2016 or beyond,” the engineer added. Nevertheless, he confirmed that if Ferrari is to get involved it would do it as a full-fledged works team.
I’d say these statements point more toward an yes than a no, which would be a great thing for Le Mans racing and its fans. Ferrari’s last participation in the top category of the Le Mans 24 Hours was in 1973 with the 312PB (pictured).
By Dan Mihalascu
PHOTO GALLERY
