The house of the Prancing Horse has announced their Le Mans Hypercar program with the intent to join the series in 2023, 50 years after they last participated in the top class of FIA World Endurance Championship.
In their press release, they said that they’re already in design and simulation stages, with the track testing, name of the car, and drivers to follow in later announcements.
“With the new Le Mans Hypercar programme, Ferrari once again asserts its sporting commitment and determination to be a protagonist in the major global motorsport events” said John Elkann, Ferrari President.
The new Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) series is a new class that’s set to replace the LMP1 as the premiere level of endurance racing. Their biggest difference would be the powertrain because while both are running on hybrids, the LMP1 usually had engines capable of 1000 plus horsepower. The new LMH is putting a cap on that at 500kw or 670hp.
Cost-saving was also done to encourage more entrants in the competition. Use of pricey materials and technology is ‘greatly limited’. Gearbox are required to use magnesium or aluminum casing and bellhousing. Suspension is also simplified with double-wishbone design as compulsory and active systems or mass dampers are now forbidden.
Ferrari has a record of 24 World Titles and 36 victories in the 24 hours of Le Mans and is aiming to add more once they join the fray in 2023.