This is the most expensive Ford GT40 ever sold – despite its calamitous history
A Ford GT40 MkII which managed 12 laps at the famous 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours has become been auctioned for a record amount
Toyota led the way at La Sarthe on Le Mans Test Day, already dipping below the 2016 pole time set by Porsche’s Neel Jani.
Kamui Kobayashi’s impressive pace continued, setting the day’s benchmark time of 3m18.132sec ahead of early pacesetter Kazuki Nakajima in the sister Toyota. José María López returned to the Toyota cockpit following the injury he sustained at the season opener at Silverstone and claimed third on the timesheets, having been moved into the #9 Toyota for Le Mans.
Earl Bamber was quickest of the Porsches in fourth, with Jani fifth. The ByKolles was quicker than all but the fastest LMP2 in what will be in its penultimate race of 2017 as it focuses its attentions on next season following July’s Nürburgring round.
Last year’s LMP2 winner Signatech Alpine was quickest of the new LMP2s, eight seconds faster than the pole time of G-Drive 12 months ago.
Corvette set the pace in GTE, two tenths ahead of the new Porsche.
A Ford GT40 MkII which managed 12 laps at the famous 1966 Le Mans 24 Hours has become been auctioned for a record amount
Two of racing's biggest rivals are on collision course once more, with the Ford v Ferrari battle for overall Le Mans victory due to resume in 2027 after six decades — and Ford is already talking up the fight
Ford will develop a new top-tier sports car to compete for overall victory in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the World Endurance Championship Hypercar class from 2027 onwards, aiming to continue where its GT40 left off in the 1960s
Peugeot CEO Linda Jackson warned that winning was essential for its Hypercar project earlier this year. After an uncompetitive run in the Le Mans 24 Hours, she says that the fight goes on, with the team confident that it will catch its rivals