Comments ahead of 24 Hours of Le Mans: drivers of 499P number 51

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, round four of the FIA World Endurance Championship, will run on the La Sarthe circuit. The race celebrates its centenary this year. This special edition will see the two Ferrari 499Ps compete in the top class of the world’s most prestigious endurance race, half a century after the Prancing Horse’s last official appearance. Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi will start in the number 51 Hypercar.

After the first three rounds, Ferrari is second in the Manufacturers’ standings, 33 points behind Toyota. In the Drivers’ standings, Pier Guidi-Calado-Giovinazzi lie fifth with 32 points. The race will kick off on Saturday, 10 June at 4 p.m.

Alessandro Pier Guidi: “The first goal at Le Mans is to make it to the finish line, something we should never take for granted especially considering the number of cars on the track and that, as we have seen in previous races, everyone has encountered some reliability problems with the new Hypercars. Then depending on our performance, which we can only know about once we are on the track, we will try to do our best. Obviously, personally I aim to try and win every race, and it will be no different at the 24 Hours, the season’s most important race. However, we must be realistic, knowing it won’t be easy.

My loveliest memory at Le Mans was in 2019 when, after a few years in which we were not very competitive, we claimed the class win with the 488 GTE. It came out of a team effort lasting the entire previous season. Winning was an extraordinary moment. What is it like driving at night? A special experience. Even though when you are behind the wheel, your only focus is the track, during those hours, you notice the large crowd; you see the lights around the track and, especially during the neutralisations, you understand that the 24 Hours is unlike any other race”.

James Calado: “We arrive at Le Mans expecting to do our best. We know we have a good car with a package that suits the fastest sectors of the Le Mans track. In performance terms, I think we will have the chance to do well in a race in which, of course, we will test the reliability of the 499P to the utmost. The prime goal is making it to the chequered flag while getting on the podium or scoring a victory would be even more of a dream come true.

My best memories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans are the two victories with the 488 GTE in 2019 and 2021, exceptional moments. Le Mans holds a special meaning for me because the race has a glorious history. Winning it automatically means being remembered for a long time. It is a race that holds a special place in my heart.

The night? Racing in those hours with the 499P will be special because of the high speed. Driving at Le Mans in the dark is always special, and it is pretty tricky, so it will be a great experience, especially as it will be the first with this car”.

Antonio Giovinazzi: “The season’s first three races were positive, and securing three podiums as a team was an encouraging start. Now it is time for the most important race, a 24 Hours of Le Mans that marks Ferrari’s return to the ranks of manufacturers that can aim for overall victory. Of course, expectations are very high, partly because when you race for the Prancing Horse, the ultimate goal is always to fight for victory.

It won’t be easy to win because we know the worth of our opponents, starting with Toyota, which has plenty of experience in the category. It won’t be enough to be fast and have a reliable car to achieve an excellent result. We will also have to minimise mistakes, considering that it will be a long race and our team’s first 24 Hours race.

In 2018, I was lucky enough to race at Le Mans in the 488 GTE in the LMGTE Pro class. I have fond memories of that race, which was very exciting for me. With the 499P, this year will be even more exciting, especially at night when a driver has few reference points, and the darkness means you need to be extremely careful, especially when overtaking. Le Mans is not just pure speed, as people sometimes think, considering the long straights. It is also a beautiful and varied track to drive, with significant braking in the last sector”.