Ferrari have announced the start of a Le Mans Hypercar (LMH) programme from 2023 that will see them enter the new premier class of the World Endurance Championship.
In an official announcement, the Italian giants confirmed that “following a period of study and analysis” they have “kicked off the development of the new LMH car to include, in recent weeks, the design and simulation phases”.
They added that the track testing programme, the name of the car and the drivers who will make up the official crews will be part of future announcements.
Ferrari’s return in what, from its introduction this year, will be the most prestigious category of sportscar racing, will come 50 years after their last official participation in the top division of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
The Italian squad has yet to announce any drivers for the hypercar programme but has a well-stocked factory driver roster. In addition to Le Mans winners Pier Guidi, Calado and Serra, it also has the likes of Davide Rigon, Miguel Molina, Sam Bird and Nicklas Nielsen on the books. It could also employ some of its Ferrari academy drivers such as FIA Formula 2 runner-up Callum Ilott, or turn to Formula 1 veteran and 2007 world champion Kimi Raikkonen.
In 2007 Kimi drove the Peugeot 908 Le Mans car at Spanish circuit Motorland Aragon. At thay moment Kimi confirmed that he would be keen on competing at Le Mans, but if he was to do so, he would want an expanded programme of races for the marque.
“It would be great to do Le Mans,” Kimi Raikkonen told Finland’s Turun Sanomat. “But if you race there, you should do some races as a test as well. It could be tricky to get all the schedules working well.”
