LE MANS, France — Robert Kubica’s long road back from a crash that nearly ended his career culminated in victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Sunday as Ferrari won for the world-famous endurance race for the third year in a row.
Only a late surge from Porsche Penske Motorsport denied the Italian manufacturer a podium sweep.
The No. 83 Ferrari 499P crew of Philip Hanson, Robert Kubica and Ye Yifei took the win as Ferrari won for the 12th time in the 93rd edition of the storied event that began 102 years ago. Their bright yellow car, privately entered by the AF Corse team, got the better of Porsche and the two official factory-entered Ferraris.
Kubica took the checkered flag after a marathon spell at the wheel Sunday afternoon to make sure of the win.
“It has been a long 24 hours,” Kubica said to his team over the radio and thanked them in Italian. “Enjoy.”