For 100 years, Le Mans has been at the very pinnacle of motorsports—and Ferrari’s victory signals a return to form for the Prancing Horse
In the realm of motorsports, few events hold as much allure and grandeur as the legendary Le Mans race. It is a contest that has captivated the hearts of racing aficionados for decades, and this year, at the 100th edition of Le Mans, Ferrari made an audacious comeback after a hiatus of nearly five decades. The invitation extended by the revered Italian automaker to witness this historic moment was not merely a gesture; it was an exclusive ticket to witness the rebirth of a legend.
Le Mans became a distant memory for Ferrari since their last victory in 1966, their famous battle with Ford, immortalised on the silver screen in the acclaimed film Ford v Ferrari. This absence from the race had left a void in the hearts of enthusiasts and had become a symbol of Ferrari’s longing to reclaim their former glory. Thus, the weight of the invitation became apparent as we arrived at the gates of the illustrious Ferrari factory in Maranello, four days prior to the race.
Ferrari had extended this coveted invitation to a select group of around 50 esteemed members of the international press, recognising the significance of their return to Le Mans. It was a daring move, considering they would be pitted against the reigning champion, Toyota, who had clinched victory in the past five races. The stage was set for an epic battle.
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Our epic 1,300 km journey to the Centennial Anniversary of Le Mans began in style, as we embarked on a convoy of Ferrari press cars. A magnificent Ferrari Portofino M was at our disposal, a testament to the iconic brand’s commitment to excellence. With the roar of the engine and the wind in our hair, we set off on the very route that Ferrari factory cars of the past would have taken. Though the highways had vastly improved since then, the spirit of the journey remained unchanged.
On the first day, we embarked on a breathtaking drive from Maranello to the Michelin Museum, traversing approximately 770 km. The initial excitement of driving a Ferrari soon gave way to fatigue as the hours ticked by. A mishap with the navigation system, where someone mistakenly selected the “avoid toll roads” option, added an unwelcome extension to the adventure. After wasting a few precious hours, we resorted to the trusted Google Maps, quickly realising that toll roads were indeed the preferred choice for efficient progress on long journeys.
Despite its reputation as a grand tourer rather than an extreme racing machine, the 620 hp Portofino M proved to be a remarkable companion, effortlessly devouring the seemingly endless stretch of road ahead. Not only did it possess immense power, but it also boasted ample storage space for our week-long journey, accommodating luggage filled with clothing, camera equipment, and laptops. Along the way, the approving nods and thumbs-up from bystanders served as a testament to the timeless allure of a Ferrari. It was a reminder that the reverence for this iconic brand ran deep in the hearts of people.
