In a remarkable showing, the Mustang GT3 made its first appearance at the grueling 24 Hours of Le Mans and successfully clinched a podium finish. The event took place on June 16, 2024, at the world-famous Circuit de la Sarthe, where all three Mustang entries not only completed the race but also secured valuable positions in the competitive LMGT3 category.
The No. 88 car, driven by Dennis Olsen, Giorgio Roda, and Mikkel O. Pedersen, crossed the finish line in third place, marking a noteworthy achievement for Ford Performance and Proton Competition. Meanwhile, the No. 44 car, piloted by Christopher Mies, John Hartshorne, and Ben Tuck, finished closely behind in fourth.
"Today’s podium performance shows that Mustang can come and compete on the global stage against the best sports cars in the world," said Mark Rushbrook, Global Director of Ford Performance Motorsports. "It is such a fantastic feeling to be able to do it in the first outing for Mustang at Le Mans... a special moment."
Significantly, this event celebrates not only the car's debut but also the 60th anniversary of the Ford Mustang itself, suggesting a special synergy between the brand's heritage and its contemporary racing endeavors.
Christian Ried, Team Principal of Proton Competition, expressed his elation at the outcome. "It’s always great to be on the podium and especially at Le Mans. But also, in the first year of a new car, and in the 60th Anniversary of Mustang... it's unbelievable. I'm proud of everyone."
The race conditions at 24 Hours of Le Mans are notoriously tough, yet the Mustang GT3 teams showcased remarkable endurance and strategy. The No. 88 faced early challenges but demonstrated resilience; Olsen notably made an impressive climb from 17th to fourth place within the first hour, showcasing his racing acumen. The team consistently stayed within the top-10 and after an effective pit strategy, their steady performance culminated in a well-deserved podium spot.
"I’m over the moon with this result," stated Larry Holt, Executive Vice President of Multimatic Special Vehicle Operations Group. "Le Mans is the biggest sportscar racing challenge in the world... I knew that it was going to be good."
Despite their efforts, the No. 77 car, driven by Ryan Hardwick, Ben Barker, and Zacharie Robichon, encountered some initial setbacks, but the team still earned recognition for their overall performance. Barker notably achieved the fastest qualifying lap, making history as the first Hyperpole for Mustang GT3 after four rounds of the World Endurance Championship (WEC) this season.
The Mustang GT3's debut performance at Le Mans adds a significant chapter to Ford's racing legacy, showcasing the car's potential amid some of the toughest racing conditions imaginable. With two of three entries finishing in the top five, the teams are optimistic about their future races, building on this impressive foundation.
As Ford and Proton Competition reflect on this landmark achievement, they set their sights on continued success in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The podium finish serves as both a celebration of the Mustang's storied past and a promising glimpse into its future as a formidable competitor in the endurance racing landscape.