‘It will go down in history’ – Tom Kristensen hails ‘incredibly dramatic’ 24 Hours of Le Mans 2023

The #51 car of James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi, and Alessandro Pier Guidi took the chequered flag 1:21.793 ahead of their nearest competitor – the #8 Toyota – to win the centenary edition of the event.

Ferrari traded blows with defending champions Toyota over the course of a rain-affected, drama-filled race.

However, the Scuderia lent on its superior pace to regain the lead and looked to be all but assured of victory after a late error from Toyota’s Ryo Hirakawa saw his car spin into the barrier following a rear lock-up.

There was, though, still room for drama late on with another pit-related scare for Ferrari when the car would again not restart; Pier Guidi retained his composure, got the car going to seal a stunning return to Le Mans for the Italian manufacturer.

Kristensen, a nine-time winner of the event, said the race will go down in history.

“It was incredibly dramatic,” began Kristensen. “It was chaos at times – great battles.

“That little bit of spray in the beginning and then a little bit more spray and then some heavy rain. It created so much drama that it was very difficult to keep an eye on at times.

“It will go down in history as if not the best, then very close to [the best race].”

Anthony Davidson – the 2014 World Endurance Drivers’ champion – added that Ferrari had beaten the best of the best, the five-time reigning champions of Toyota to win the event.

“They were formidable,” added Davidson

“They beat the best in the business today, Toyota. For them to stand on the podium and look over their shoulders and know they beat the best in the business on their first time back here in 50 years, that means a lot.”

The win represented a first win for in 58 years for Ferrari, and there were euphoric and emotional scenes at the race finish.

“I’m so emotional, it’s unbelievable – just a great feeling,” said Giovinazzi after the race.

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