Ferrari Chairman Latest to Mention Possible Le Mans Return

The rumors are mounting that Ferrari is at least seriously considering a return to top-class prototype racing since abandoning its factory program in 1973. The latest piece of evidence is that FerrariItaly, 1947 > present233 models
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President Luca di Montezemolo mentioned the possibility of an entry at the company’s Christmas banquet.

The catalyst for the possible entry is the new F1 engine regulations for 1.6-liter turbocharged engines with two forms of energy recovery. The changes in the WEC next season put no limit on engine layout, displacement or power. It only limits fuel on a per lap basis.

"We have won with the 458 GTEFerrari 458 Italia GTCItaly, 2011 > present5 photos
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, but I also quite like the idea of racing at Le Mans in the highest category: who knows, maybe one day we can return and win, say thanks and come home. Maybe we should give it some serious consideration,” said di Montezemolo.

Antonello Coletta, Ferrari’s head of non-F1 motorsport, has also discussed the possibility of entering a fully factory supported LMP1 car.

"It is normal that Ferrari should screen all opportunities and stand at the window and look in,” said Coletta.

"That means that we cannot say Ferrari will be in LMP1, but we can also not say that Ferrari will not be in LMP1. We can also not say if our vision is for 2015, 2016 or beyond. Either we build a car or we do not come.”

For 2014, AudiAudiGermany, 1909 > present83 models
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, PorschePorscheGermany, 1931 > present43 models
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and ToyotaToyotaJapan, 1937 > present155 models
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will have LMP1 cars. Nissan is heavily considering an LMP1 entry for 2015.

Source: ESPN