Ferrari made their long-awaited return to 24 Hours of Le Mans over the weekend and celebrated the centenary of the iconic race with a victory.

Ferrari were competing in the race for the first time in 50 years, and at a particularly special edition of 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 100th event was one of the most dramatic in memory, with crashes throughout the field, as well as frequent and heavy showers that mixed up the racing over the course of the weekend.

Toyota were the overwhelming favourites, having won the last five 24 Hours of Le Mans races, and having taken out every race in the World Endurance Championship this season.

However, the Ferrari team, driven by James Calado, Pier Guidi and Antonio Giovanazzi, showed great pace in the comeback race and kept their noses clean despite the drama elsewhere.

Charles Leclerc in attendance

However, Toyota were still in the running going into the final stages and would have had a chance for the win had Ryo Hirakawa not spun when within seconds of the leading Ferrari. The Japanese manufacturer had to settle for the unfamiliar second step whilst Cadillac rounded off the podium in third.

It was therefore Ferrari, cheered on by Formula One driver Charles Leclerc, who took the chequered flag to earn their first 24 Hours of Le Mans victory since 1973 and their 10th top-level victory.

“It’s a great achievement after so long. This will go down in history,” said Ferrari’s British driver Calado.

The Italian team are second in the Manufacturers’ standings, 19 points behind leaders Toyota.

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Photo source: Scuderia Ferrari Press Office