Le Mans 2009: Di Montezemolo gives the start signal

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"The 77th edition of the Le Mans 24 Hour Race is to have a high profile guest starter. At 15.00 on June 13th next, in fact, Ferrari Chairman Luca di Montezemolo will give the official start signal for the most prestigious endurance race in the motor racing world.

Mr Montezemolo was invited to Le Mans by Automobile Club de l’Ouest President Jean-Claude Plassart to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first of Maranello’s nine overall 24 Hour Race victories, which came courtesy of the 166 MM of Luigi Chinetti and Lord Selsdon in 1949.

“I am delighted to be given the opportunity to start a race that has made motor racing history and has such strong links with Ferrari. Our Scuderia has delivered some unforgettable achievements on this circuit,” declared Montezemolo. “The Le Mans 24 Hour Race is synonymous with technologically-advanced sporting competition and has always been a focus of great attention on our part.”

In addition to the nine overall wins clocked up between 1949 and 1965 (the latter thanks to Jochen Rindt and Masten Gregory in the 250 LM), Ferrari has also taken numerous class victories in the French race, the most recent of which was delivered in 2008 by the F430 GT of the Risi Competizione team. A total of 10 Maranello berlinettas will be lined out at the start by eight private teams on June 13th this year.

Also on hand at the circuit will be the GES Director Stefano Domenicali, a further demonstration of Maranello’s continuing interest in this classic race. In his role as Chairman of the FIAT Group, Montezemolo will also be marking another special anniversary at Le Mans as it was 40 years ago, in September 1968, that the late Gianni Agnelli also started the Le Mans 24 Hour Race."
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Source: http://www.f1technical.net/news/12297


F430 GT2 victories are fine, but I wish Ferrari really did a come-back to fight for the overall win at Le Mans, with big red prototypes. However, I guess they can't do it and still keep F1 at the highest level.

PS - Besides, a Diesel Ferrari would be almost blasphemy :yuck:
 
Ferrari were never a "prototype" team for me anyway, I know they had the 333SP, etc but they are not really their memorable cars. That was always (of the two rivals) Porsche' territory.
They are more at home in GT1 and GT2 in my opinion.
 
I have a Le Mans 2009 thread already, you should post this there.

And I wouldn't expect any change in Ferrari involvement at Le Mans.
 
Duffers917K
I have a Le Mans 2009 thread already, you should post this there.

And I wouldn't expect any change in Ferrari involvement at Le Mans.
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You're right, I didn't notice it down in this page and since Le Mans is only in June I didn't think a thread existed already. Anyway, this wasn't supposed to be the "2009 24 Hour of Le Mans Thread", it's was just a curious and interesting piece of news I found and wanted to share.

I guess it will be closed then :indiff:. Just before it is let me say I'm a huge fan of Le Mans and I hope to contribute to the Le Mans thread often, as soon as relevant news arise :)
 

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