Ferrari 499P Returns to Top level at Le Mans

Ferrari is making a comeback to the top class of professional sports car racing after 50 years. The Italian manufacturer has unveiled the 499P, which will contest the new Le Mans Hybrid (LMH) category of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile’s (FIA) World Endurance Championship in 2023. 

Hypercars have the best qualities of the gas-electric hybrid Le Mans Prototype 1 cars (LMP1). FIA is following the measures to lower the costs and imposing strict and measurable limits on horsepower and the development budget. Along with Ferrari, several manufacturers have the plan to make a comeback in 2023 to Le Mans and International sports car racing with Hypercars.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest and the FIA have synchronized regulations with the American organization IMSA (International Motor Sports Association). The 499P is going to debut on March 17, 2023, in North America at 1000 Miles from Sebring. 

As the European sports-prototype cars are returning to America it indicates a return of the American Le Mans Series (1999-2013). Sports cars' fortunes run on a decade-long boom-and-bust cycle. Often the golden era is followed by many years of dull competition because of little participation by significant manufacturers. The start power of Ferrari and Hyperclass should mark the beginning of a new golden era. 

A twin-turbo V6 engine is fitted to the Ferrari 296 GT3 race car and is remotely related to the 296 road car engine, the 499P’s version is load-bearing, and the fundamental piece of the engine and the cast block is very strong. The engine in the GT3 competition cars is mounted onto the rear sub-chassis of the car.

The electric motor is organized out in front and each front wheel is equipped with careful metering power. The ERS (Energy Recovery System) was developed exclusively for 499 P, though Ferrari is aware of recuperative braking from its road-going Stradale, and Formula One hybrid powertrains. 

Hypercar rules are followed to equalize performance, strengthen competition, and put more emphasis on the driver’s ability. At higher speeds, the electric axle delivers torque to the front wheels; whereas, on accelerating out of low-speed tight corners, it will have less impact. 

ACO and FIA have selected maximum power at 500 kW (670 horsepower), and hypercars must weigh about 2270 pounds (1030 kg). Ferrari sports cars attain nine wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The golden days of sports cars with victories were from 1949, throughout the 1950s, and into the mid-1960s. At the beginning of the 1970s, the Scuderia started focusing on Formula One.

Maranello technicians and engineers will manage the Ferrari 499P. Ferrari is yet to release the names of the drivers. 

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