Earlier this year, Ferrari teased us with its plans to enter the hypercar category in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship.
After much anticipation, we have finally been given our first glimpse of Ferrari Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) as it took to Ferrari’s Fiorano test track this week.
The LMH’s design was also revealed earlier in the week.
While official images still hold back key details, the glaringly obvious massive rear wing sticks out like a sore-thumb from the rest of the car’s sleek silhouette.
“This is a very exciting moment, eagerly awaited both by the people who worked on this project and Ferrari fans,” said Antonello Coletta, head of the LMH project.
To ensure the car wouldn’t take off come race day, two-time world endurance champion Alessandro Pier Guidi was in charge of Wednesday morning’s running of the car.
Pier Guidi completed the LMH’s initial shakedown before handing the keys to Ferrari GT factory driver Nicklas Nielsen to conclude the test.
“After so many months in the simulator, I finally had the chance to drive the real car, and that was a big thrill”, commented Pier Guidi.
This will be Ferrari’s first entry into the top endurance class in 50 years.
Also returning to the endurance circuit is Peugeot with their wingless warrior 9X8 after an 11 year hiatus.
The 9X8 will debut is at this weekend’s 6 Hours of Monza giving Ferrari time to eye up its challenger’s entry.
Other manufacturers like Lamborghini and Porsche have also made commitments to compete in the hypercar category in the coming years.