Ferrari Aims for Three-in-a-Row Victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours 2025, Kicking Off the Endurance Race Spectacle
Get ready to rev your engines! The one and only Roger Federer will take center stage as the celebrity starter at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans race, kicking things off on Saturday, 14 June at 16:00 CEST. Over the grueling 24-hour event, more than 186 drivers will navigate 300 laps spanning over 4,000km, battling through darkness, dusk, and dawn in front of an estimated sell-out crowd of 320,000 fans.
But this race isn't just about speed: it's a celebration of endurance, resilience, and the indomitable spirit of competition. Remember the 1955 Le Mans disaster? On that fateful day, a crash involving Pierre Levegh's Mercedes caused debris to fly into the crowd, taking the lives of 81 spectators. This tragic event shake up the future of racing safety. As the race marks its 70th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the thrilling highs and gut-wrenching lows that Le Mans has seen throughout its history.
Speaking of high speeds, the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe includes the famed Mulsanne Straight, where drivers can reach speeds of up to 400 km/h. It's a constant reminder of the glamour and danger that Le Mans represents. The weather is expected to be mild and dry, which is always a welcomed bonus for this high-stakes endurance event. The action begins with qualifying for pole position on Thursday night.
In the world of auto racing, Ferrari is no stranger to making waves, and the Italian powerhouse is eager to secure its third consecutive win at Le Mans. After triumphing in both the centenary edition of the race in 2023 and in 2024, Ferrari has a real shot at making history once more. To get there, they'll have to outmaneuver their tough competition. Their star team, led by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen, took first place at the opening rounds of the World Endurance Championship in Qatar, Imola, and Spa-Francorchamps, making them a top contender.
However, Ferrari's success won't come easy. Team manager Batti Pregliasco acknowledges the threat from Toyota, who have been dominating the event since 2018. "Winning a third Le Mans in a row would be magnificent," he said, "But the Toyotas are very strong here - they have the experience, the ability, and the means to win."
This year's race is shaping up to be a reunion of rivals thanks to the revitalized top-tier Hypercar class. The grid includes veterans Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Peugeot, Alpine, BMW, Aston Martin, and Cadillac. Among the Toyota ranks is Nyck de Vries, the Dutch driver who came in second place in the 2024 race, and he's returning with a vengeance. "Finishing second was a great result," he said. "But after such a long race, it felt bitter-sweet. We want to put that right this year."
The 2023 regulation overhaul has ignited a resurgence of interest in endurance racing, with numerous former Formula One drivers now making the switch to Le Mans. The lineup includes Jenson Button, Robert Kubica, Mick Schumacher, and Stoffel Vandoorne, all of whom are aiming to emulate Fernando Alonso's back-to-back wins with Toyota in 2018 and 2019.
Of course, it's not just the Hypercar drivers fighting for the top spot. This year's grid also features 17 LMP2 cars and 24 in the LMGT3 class, including the inspiring Iron Dames team - an all-female crew composed of Sarah Bovy, Rahel Frey, and Célia Martin - who are making history by competing in the LMGT3 category.
So fasten your seatbelts and brace yourself for the thrilling battle of speed, endurance, and history that's about to unfold at Le Mans. Who will claim the coveted win and rise to endurance racing immortality?
France, home to the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans race, will witness an international spectacle as drivers from various nations compete, showcasing their sports prowess on the world stage. This year, luxury car manufacturer Ferrari, with its strong roots in racing history, aspires to secure yet another victory in the prestigious event, with stiff competition from rivals such as Toyota and newcomers in the Hypercar class.
