Ferrari showcased the imposing 296 GT3, with which it will return for glory at Le Mans

Ferrari has presented the first images of its new vehicle designed to return to the tracks in Sport races. This is the Ferrari 296 GT3, which is being developed in conjunction with Oreca, the French competition company, and which will compete in the World Endurance Championship in the GT3 category. With this new development, the successful 488 GT3 cycle will end, which began in 2016 competing in the GTE category, and which won no less than 107 titles and 429 victories in more than 700 appearances it has had in various competitions around the world.

The basis of the new Ferrari 296 GT3 is that of the beautiful and futuristic 296 GTB, one of Maranello's hybrid sports sedans. Although due to the specifications of the GT3 championships, it will not be able to have that double propulsion that combines heat engine and electric motor. Ferrari's new racing car will be powered only by the 2.9-liter V6 engine, capable of achieving 650 hp thanks to its double turbo, although there are still no official figures or more precise technical specifications on the part of the Italian company.

When comparing the Ferrari 296 GTB with the GT3, the similarity is absolute, with the clear differentiation of an aerodynamic development that makes the racing car much more effective in sustaining due to the effect of the air, something that can also be achieved thanks to the fact that the car does not have to be used on roads or streets, but rather only on circuits.

Part of these changes can be seen in the front, which has a new divider, and also in the rear area, with a large spoiler that is fixed to the body with two upper hanging elements, leaving the lower face of the main profile free of turbulent air.

But in the car, in addition to the DNA 296, there are many reminiscences of a glorious model for Ferrari in its history of sports vehicles. The famous 250 LM, successful in the 60s, winner of the 24 hours of Le Mans in 1965, is represented in this new thoroughbred racing car.

The development plans for the 296 GT3 include the runway in the coming months, it is estimated that by the beginning of late April they would be doing the first tests at Fiorano, Ferrari's historic test track.

Although the debut is scheduled for the start of the 2023 season in the GT3 categories of various championships and in the North American category of IMSA, Ferrari has that entire first year of racing to evolve and be fit to enter the World Endurance Championship (WEC) only in 2024, when the current one is replaced GTE class by the GT3.

While it will not be the main category, this car will be able to try to green the laurels of Maranello's house with Sport cars in the 24 hours of Le Mans in 2024. Beyond the development of this GT car for customers, Ferrari continues its plans to enter the top category LMDh as early as 2023, although its project is for now in the absolute of secrets.

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