For the 1972 season of the world sports championship, the Ferrari 312 PB, which had made its debut the year before, underwent a series of improvements that made it extremely competitive. With the retirement of the 5-liter sports prototype, the field was now free for 3000cc cars. In 1972 Ferrari dominated the season, also winning a very difficult race such as the Targa Florio, but deserting the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The 312PB took the world title, the last in this category for Ferrari.