Ferrari claims first pole at Le Mans in 50 years!

Antonio Fuoco delivered on Thursday at Le Mans a historic pole position for Ferrari, 50 years after the manufacturer's last inside front position at the classic endurance event.

And for good measure, the Italian outfit also locked out the front row for this weekend's epic 24-hour event.

Fuoco topped the half hour Hyperpole shootout with a perfect lap of 3m22.982s that edged Ferrari's #51 car steered by Alessandro Pier Guidi by 0.773s.

Brendon Hartley's #8 Toyota clocked in third, 1.469s adrift while Felipe Nasr's Porsche Penske was the fourth quickest car in the final qualifying session, 1.549s behind the day's pace setter.

©Ferrari

"We have no words actually," said an emotional Miguel Molina, Fuoco's teammate on the #50 entry, after the shootout.

"Because for all these people, it’s less than one year that the car runs for the first time in Fiorano.

"I think this pole position is very well deserved for all the people that are working in this project."

Read also: Le Mans ready to celebrate its Centenary race

Ferrari pulled out of top-class endurance racing at the end of the 1973 season. That year, Arturo Merzario and Carlos Pace took pole at Le Mans onboard their 312PB.

It's been a long 50-year wait, but Ferrari is back!

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.