Ferrari's return to factory prototype racing at the top level after more than 50 years arrived with the 499P in the 2023 FIA WEC season. Developed alongside AF Corse, the LMH-class machine debuted in a championship where the 24 Hours of Le Mans carried its centenary significance. The No. 51 entry — shared by Alessandro Pier Guidi, James Calado and Antonio Giovinazzi — was one of two factory 499Ps contesting every round of that season.
Ferrari's first LMH prototype: the 499P
The Ferrari 499P is the Maranello manufacturer's first Le Mans Hypercar class prototype, built to FIA LMH regulations that cap total system output at approximately 500 kW. Its powertrain pairs a 3.0-litre twin-turbocharged V6 internal combustion engine with a hybrid electric motor mounted on the front axle. Ferrari and AF Corse introduced the 499P to the FIA WEC grid for the 2023 season, marking Ferrari's first factory prototype campaign at the top level of endurance racing in decades.
Third at Spa, on the final lap
Round 3 of the 2023 FIA WEC season, the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps, was held on 29 April 2023 at the Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps in Belgium. The No. 51 Ferrari 499P, driven by Pier Guidi, Calado and Giovinazzi, classified third overall in the Hypercar class — James Calado completing the final-lap pass that secured the podium. The No. 7 and No. 8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid entries finished first and second respectively. Antonio Giovinazzi, a former Formula 1 driver with Alfa Romeo Racing, joined Pier Guidi and Calado — two established Ferrari factory GT aces — for the 2023 WEC programme.
BBR Models in 1:18 scale resin
This 1:18 scale model is produced by BBR Models in resin, replicating the No. 51 Ferrari 499P in the Scuderia Ferrari red livery with AF Corse branding carried at the 2023 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. The race number 51, historically associated with the Pier Guidi and Calado pairing across Ferrari's GT and Hypercar programme, is faithfully rendered. As a resin model, the body is a sealed one-piece construction; detail is concentrated on the external aerodynamic surfaces, including the LMH-specification bodywork and hybrid drivetrain cooling elements.
In the display cabinet
This BBR 1:18 scale model requires a display shelf with adequate depth for the prototype's wide aerodynamic bodywork. It pairs naturally with other 1:18 WEC and LMH-class models, and sits as a cornerstone piece in any Ferrari factory racing collection. The 2023 Spa livery configuration distinguishes it from other 499P editions, including the Le Mans 100th anniversary race specification later that season.
