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24 Hours of Le Mans 2023: here is the programme for “the race of the century”

The legendary motor race the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be celebrating its centenary on 10 and 11 June 2023. This year’s event promises to be an unforgettable show to a full house, as the tickets sold like hot cakes. Here’s the programme!

To mark the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, several historic teams have announced their big comeback. They include: Peugeot (winner in 2009 with its legendary 908 HDi FAP), which abandoned the competition in 2011, Ferrari, which dominated in the 1960s and has been absent since 1973 in the Hypercar, along with Cadillac, which is returning after a more than 20-year absence. Porsche, the most-successful manufacturer with 19 victories to its name, will also be present to compete with Toyota, the invincible winner since 2018. It promises to be an amazing three-day spectacle!

Friday, 9 June: An exceptional auction

The festivities kick off on Friday with the auction organised in partnership with RM Sotheby’s. Unique and rare vehicles will be put up for sale, such as the Lancia LC2, which competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1984 and 1985, an elegant Ferrari 121 LM Spider from 1955, along with a bright blue Alpine A210 from 1967.

Saturday, 10 June at 2 p.m.: The opening ceremony

Before the race, all those involved in the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will parade through the streets of the town in historic vehicles for the Grand Drivers’ Parade. As is customary, the start of the race will be marked by an extraordinary ceremony: positioning of the cars, arrival of the tricolour flag by helicopter, a resounding chorus of La   Marseillaise by the public and flyover of the track by the French Red Arrows. At 4 p.m., the 62 cars will be released onto the track by the race director. The competitors will then set off for 24 hours of competition.

Sunday, 11 June at 4 p.m.: Finish of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

• adresse : Circuit des 24 Heures
• ville : Le Mans
• pays : France
• Nearest airport : Le Mans-Arnage Airport

After a fierce struggle, the drivers will cross the finish line. Who out of Toyota, Ferrari, Porsche, Peugeot, Cadillac, Glickenhaus and Vanwall will win the “race of the century”? One thing is certain, for this anniversary edition, the victors will win a unique bronze trophy made by the Monnaie de Paris. More than 1.50 m tall, it bears the names of all the 24 Hours of Le Mans winners from 1923 to 2022. An exceptional trophy specially designed for the centenary of the greatest motor race in the world.

Circuit des 24 Heures 72000 Le Mans +33 (0)2 43 40 24 24 www.24h-lemans.com

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Key timings and timetable for Le Mans race week

In less than ten days’ time, the run-up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans begins with the opening of the grand centenary exhibition followed by the scrutineering sessions in the city. Read on for details of what to see and where to be!

The 24 Hours of Le Mans, round four of FIA WEC, is 100-years-old this year. The pinnacle of the endurance discipline, the famous race is the fourth round in the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship. The event is always popular but this year there will not be a spare seat in the house as the automotive world celebrates the glittering anniversary. 

A unique commemorative exhibition opens on Thursday 1 June at the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. An impressive 86 Le Mans cars will be on show, 65 of which were race winners. 

The following day, 2 June , sees the first of two scrutineering sessions. The pre-race checks are undertaken on Place de la République in the city center where crowds gather to eye the cars and drivers up close. Session 2 is on Saturday 3 June. After the checks, several race cars will parade through the streets of Le Mans.

- Prema Racing (Oreca 07 - Gibson / LMP2)

- Corvette Racing (Chevrolet Corvette C8.R / LMGTE Am)

- Kessel Racing (Ferrari 488 GTE Evo / LMGTE Am)

- Dempsey-Proton Racing (Porsche 911 RSR - 19 / LMGTE Am)

- GR Racing (Porsche 911 RSR - 19 / LMGTE Am)

- Walkenhorst Motorsport (Ferrari 488 GTE Evo / LMGTE Am)

- Hendrick Motorsport (Chevrolet Camaro ZL.1 / Innovative Car)

- Chenard & Walcker 1923

Don't miss the chance to see them travel at a sedate pace for once! The evening will continue with a ceremony of thanks for all the volunteers, including the many track marshals, without whom the event could not happen.

On Sunday June 4 , the cars take to the track for Test Day. A round of the Ligier European Series is scheduled the same day. Test Day tickets are on sale now – your first opportunity to see the 16 Hypercars on track. 

Tuesday is fan day at the circuit. The pit lane is open for autograph sessions and the pit stop challenge when the mechanics take their turn in the limelight in a wheel-change race. Drivers will be available for two autograph sessions, one at the circuit at 2:00 pm and one in the city from 6:00 pm 

On Wednesday 7 June , it's back to racing. The track hots up, starting with the Porsche Carrera Cup, Ferrari Challenge and Road to Le Mans, before the first Free Practice and Qualifying Sessions for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In the evening, French pop star Zazie will set the pace for the musical entertainment. 

Hyperpole is the highlight of Thursday 's agenda. The spectacular qualifying session features the eight fastest cars in each class (Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGTE Am). Speed ​​is the name of the game as drivers take full advantage of the small field to go full throttle around the 13.626-kilometre circuit. Famous British rock band Razorlight head the bill on the music stage in the evening. 

If there were ever any doubt, on Friday 9 June , Le Mans is definitely the place to be. In the morning, support races set the scene for the magic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans to take hold. And that, of course, includes the highly popular city center Drivers Parade beginning at 14:00.

• The afternoon begins with a charity fun run open to accredited personnel only, then from 15:00 the track is open to all so that spectators can check out their favorite landmarks. Fans will be able to walk, cycle or skate on the legendary circuit. Imagine being able to touch the hallowed ground! Don't miss the chance!

• At the same time, RM Sotheby's will be holding an auction of superb Le Mans cars on the pit straight. Head for the grandstands for great views of the exceptional machines.

• The official 24 Hours of Le Mans centenary celebration begins at 19:00. Spectators get a rare chance to applaud everyone involved in the organization of the world-famous event, a team that includes many volunteers. Eyes turn skywards for an hour-long air show including a flypast by the French air force aerobatics team, the Patrouille de France at 19:15. 

• At 19:30, look forward to the parade of legends when the cars displayed in the centenary exhibition line up on the pit straight ready for a demonstration of the memorable Le Mans style start, in which drivers ran to their cars to begin the race (at 20:45). Keep your wits about you in the grandstands. If you are lucky enough to catch a specially embroidered t-shirt, you could win a helicopter ride or a lap of the track as a passenger to a racing driver.

• The entertainment continues with French DJ Bob Sinclar and concludes with the Centenary Show at 23:00. Drones, light, video and pyrotechnics all combine in a spectacular celebration of 100 years of racing history. 

The much-anticipated race start is at 16:00 on Saturday, 10 June . Always moving to witness, the starting ceremony will be extra special in this anniversary year. Once the race is under way, at nightfall, look forward to the second edition of the Centenary Show followed by an exceptional concert from international star Mika. 

At 4:00 pm on Sunday, 11 June , the winner of the 100th anniversary race shall cross the finish line. Which team will be presented with the unique Centenary Trophy made by the Paris Mint? Who's your money on? Porsche, Ferrari, Toyota, Peugeot, Glickenhaus, Cadillac or Vanwall? We'll know in 18 days' time!

Click HERE for the detailed timetable.

24 Hours of Le Mans

START PAGE       24hrs PROGRAMME         WHAT TO SEE       WHERE TO SEE         1st AID      

LE MANS EXPERIENCE           FEED BACK PLEASE

NEW LE MANS GUIDE  for 2024   V ersion 15 28 May '24

2024 CIRCUIT MAP CLICK HERE

CLICK HERE FOR INTRODUCTION TO THE GUIDE

6 MAY  - NEW FOOTBRIDGE    CLICK HERE  

NOW LIVE CLICK HERE - "THE LE MANS EXPERIENCE"

More will come in the week before the RACE when I am on site at LM

LE MANS GENERAL WARNING

No two Le Mans stewards react the same - be they checking for bottles at a circuit entrance or letting you park in a carpark you have already paid for!  Everything is totally subject to the vagaries of the French ACO Stewards. This will become a recurring theme so just get used to it. As you can imagine, a circuit this big, over 8.5 miles, and all its outer areas needs hundreds of stewards. There is turnover and inevitably some are not as well briefed as they should be.       So patience “mon brave”!   .... it’s all part of the charm of Le Mans.    So Calm down! ..........& have another beer!

MAIN MENU COMPLETE MENU OF WHOLE WEBSITE

RACE MENU    

Data collected from many different sources -  some  not readily accessible. 

• ALL THE ON TRACK RACING EVENTS
• ALL THE ON/OFF SITE EVENTS & EXHIBITIONS DURING RACE WEEK
• FULL  WEEK PROGRAMME
• LM 24hrs ENTRY LIST 
• 24hrs RACE PIT ALLOCATIONS
• SUPPORT RACE PITS
• SPOTTERS GUIDE LM 24hrs
• RACE CAR CATEGORIES
• SUPPORT RACES:  ROAD TO LE MANS, LIGIER EUROPEAN SERIES, LAMBORGHINI SUPER TROFEO EUROPE,  FUN CUP VW BEETLES, PORSCHE SPRINT CHALLENGE

  CLICK FOR RACE MENU

MAPS MENU    

• AUTOROUTE ACCESS POINTS FOR THE 24HRS CIRCUIT
• CIRCUIT MAP WITH ENTRANCES, CORNER NAMES AND TV SCREEN LOCATIONS
• SHOPPING MAP SHOWINGS BARS,SHOPS SUPERMARKETS & FUEL LOCATIONS
• FOOD MAP OLD CITY LE MANS - SHOWING EATERIES IN THE OLD CITY
• FOOD MAP LE MANS CITY SHOWING EATERIES IN THE NEWER PART OF THE CITY WHERE THE DRIVERS PARADE IS
• DRIVERS PARADE MAP - FRIDAY AFTERNOON OF RACE WEEK
• EXTRA ACTIVITIES IN RACE WEEK MAP

CLICK FOR MAPS MENU

TRANSPORT AROUND THE CIRCUIT & INTO LE MANS CITY    

• CIRCUIT PARKING & CAMPSITE MAP
• GETTING ABOUT
• TRAM TO Le Mans CITY
• CIRCUIT  BUSES
• CIRCUIT MINI TRAIN

CLICK FOR CIRCUIT TRANSPORT

WHERE TO WATCH  

VERY DETAILED GUIDE WITH MAPS OF THE BEST PLACES TO WATCH :

• ACTION -  MOST OFFs  usually at INDIANAPOLIS, get a few at the FORD CHICANE and also just before DUNLOP BRIDGE. 
• RACING ACTION - you always get HYPER /LMP2 cars pushing through the GTs at the corners. ACTION IN THE RAIN - you NEED TO BE NEAR A SCREEN. 
• BEST FOR PHOTOS - INDIANAPOLIS , out of DUNLOP BRIDGE and towards the ESSES. 
• UNUSUAL PLACE - THE WHEEL in MAISON BLANCHE .  

  CLICK FOR WHERE TO WATCH

WHAT TO BRING MENU  

SUGGESTIONS AS TO WHAT YOU WILL NEED AT THE CIRCUIT

• SOUND PROTECTION
• HEALTH CARD
• WHERE TO FIND ESSENTIAL RACE INFO

  CLICK FOR WHAT TO BRING

LE MANS 24hrs EXPERIENCE

• ALL THE PRE-RACE PLANNING & PACKING
• THE DRIVE DOWN
• SET UP & SHOP
• FIRST EXPLORE OF THE CIRCUIT
• INTO THE CITY
• FRIDAY IS SPECIAL
• THE RUN UP TO THE START
• FINISH & LEGAL TRACK INVASION
• DEPART & PLAN FOR NEXT YEAR!!!

CLICK FOR LE MANS EXPERIENCE

2024 CONCERTS

CONCERTS ON  WEDNESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY & SATURDAY 

CLICK FOR CONCERT DETAILS

ON & OFF CIRCUIT EXHIBITIONS & DISPLAYS .

• HYPER CAR PARADE SAT 8 JUNE - CONFIRMED
• SCRUTINEERING  - FRIDAY/SAT BEFORE RACE WEEK  - CONFIRMED
• MONCE EN VROOM - MONDAY RACE WEEK - NOTHING YET WEF 28 JUNE
• NEUVILLE DANS COURSE - MONDAY - CONFIRMED
• R'HUNAUDIERE RUAUDIN - TUESDAY - CONFIRMED
• EXPOSITION DE VOITURES - WEDNESDAY - ONE OFF FOR CENTENARY?
• ARNAGE DANS LA COURSE - THURSDAY - CONFIRMED
• VIRAGE DE MULSANNE - FRIDAY - CONFIRMED
• CLASSIC BRITISH WELCOME - FRIDAY - CONFIRMED
• EXPOSITIONDE VOITURES - FRIDAY
• GARAGE DES LEGENDES - FRIDAY  - NOTHING YET WEF 28 JUNE
• DRIVERS PARADE - FRIDAY - CONFIRMED
• MUSEUM - ALL WEEK

CLICK FOR EXTRA THINGS TO SEE MENU

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The ultimate guide to the Le Mans race circuit

The most iconic endurance race of all time is almost upon us. For over a hundred years, the eyes of the motorsport world have fallen on this small northwestern French city as the greatest manufacturers and drivers across the globe take on the ultimate day-long racing challenge.

In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the famous Circuit de la Sarthe, exploring the layout and discovering some incredible stats, including the fastest lap time ever recorded and the greatest distance covered in a 24-hour period.

Planning to attend 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2024? Book your tickets and packages now.

Map of Le Mans race circuit

• Track length: 8.467 miles (13.626km) long
• Average temperature during racing weekend: 23 C
• Record for greatest distance covered: 5410.713 km (397 laps) in 2010 by drivers Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard and Mike Rockenfeller in the Audi R15 TDI-plus
• Record for fastest lap: 3:14.791 by Kamui Kobayashi in a Toyota TS050 Hybrid in 2017

Where is the Le Mans circuit?

Circuit de la Sarthe is located in the Pays de la Loire region in northwestern France, approximately 129 miles (208km) southwest of central Paris.

How long is the Le Mans track?

One lap of the impressive Le Mans circuit is 8.467 miles (13.626km) long. The most laps ever achieved within 24 hours is 397 in the winning Audi R15+ TDI car at the 2010 race.

Le Mans landmarks and corner names

• Dunlop Bridge and Curves – the most famous Le Mans landmark of all, this iconic footbridge over the track and lends its name to the nearby corner. Leads into a 7% climb from the pit straight.
• Mulsanne Straight – The legendary 3.4 mile (5.5km) straight which has seen its fair share of accidents and crashes over the years, with fatigued drivers misjudging the sharp bend ahead.
• The Hump and Mulsanne Corner – For safety reasons, the hump towards the end of the Mulsanne Straight was shaved to help reduce the number of accidents coming up to Mulsanne Corner where cars have to reduce their speed from 300kph to 75kph in the blink of an eye. This area of the circuit is a crowd favourite, due to the high drama that frequently occurs at this spot.
• Tertre Rouge Corner – a particularly challenging corner linking the track to the infamous Mulsanne Straight. Named after the reddish soil in this area.
• Porsche Curves – a driver favourite, this series of sweeping, banked corners introduced in 1972 is particularly tricky to navigate.
• Forest Esses – a series of tight turns dating back to 1932, named after the pine trees that used to line this part of the track.
• Indianapolis Corner – the only section unchanged since 1923, this bend is famed for the heavy braking required to navigate it successfully.
• Arnage Corner – this unforgiving 90-degree right-hand turn is the slowest on the circuit and an Achilles heel for many drivers.
• Chicanes – two artificial chicanes which were added in 1990 to reduce the dangerously high speeds on the Mulsanne Straight.
• Pit Straight – the start/finish straight running through the city of Le Mans itself.

How many Le Mans race circuit track changes have there been?

The circuit has seen many changes over its 100-year history, including additions such as the Dunlop Curve and Forest Esses in 1932, the Porsche Curves in 1972, chicanes on the Mulsanne Straight in 1990 and run-off area improvements at corners like Tertre Rouge in the 2000s to accommodate increasing speeds and reduce the number of accidents.

What other races are held on the Le Mans circuit?

Apart from the 24-hour endurance race, the Circuit de la Sarthe also hosts the Le Mans Classic , a vintage sports car event held every two years, as well as the 24 Hours of Le Mans for motorcycles.

Interesting facts about the Le Mans 24-hour race circuit

• The first portion of the Circuit de la Sarthe was created in 1923 by combining existing public roads with a race track.
• The famous Mulsanne Straight is 4.2 miles (6.8km) long, making it one of the longest straights in motorsport.
• The circuit includes permanent track sections and public roads which are temporarily closed for the race.
• The race and the circuit are renowned for being a testing ground for evolving automotive technology, especially in terms of endurance and efficiency.
• The film 1971 ‘Le Mans’ starring Steve McQueen uses actual footage from the 1970 race.

How to buy tickets to the Le Mans 24hr

Inspired to visit this iconic track and witness the ultimate test of endurance for yourself in 2024? Choose from a range of ticket and accommodation packages including camping, glamping and more. Tickets are selling fast! Book your Le Mans package today to avoid disappointment. Book now

24 Heures du Mans 2024 – Ce que l'on sait des animations hors circuit (MAJ 27/05)

Lundi 10 juin – Moncé Prestige

L'an dernier, plus de 2000 spectateurs ont participé à Moncé en Vroom, première édition de la manifestation organisée par Moncé'anim. Décision a donc été prise de péréniser l'évènement, en mettant sur pied pour cette année Moncé Prestige, de 15h à 21h le lundi 10 juin, sur la plaine du Val’Ronne, à Moncé en Belin.

Le thème de 2024 sera L’élégance dans les sports mécaniques. Après une exposition et une parade de véhicules anciens et de prestige, sera organisé un concours d’élégance pour automobiles et motocyclettes de l’origine de l’automobile à 1970.

Les véhicules anciens et leurs équipages en costume d’époque seront jugés sur leur élégance et leur originalité. Un jury, composé de personnalités, définira un classement dont les trois premiers seront récompensés.

Lundi 10 juin – NEUVILLE dans la course

Ça y est, nous connaissons le programme de la 6e édition de Neuville dans la Course. Organisée le 10 juin 2024 à partir du 18h Plage du Vieux Moulin (Neuville-sur-Sarthe), elle mettra à l'honneur les voitures italiennes. Le départ du défilé est programmé à 18h30.

Mardi 11 juin - Les R'Hunaudières

Devenues incontournables, les R’Hunaudières 2024 auront pour thème "Italie Première". L'occasion pour Ruaudin d'explorer 10 décennies d'histoire du Mans autour de quatre marques venues de l'autre côté des Alpes : Alfa Romeo et Ferrari seront les vedette de l'événement, aux côtés des débutants Lamborghini et Isotta Fraschini.

Cette édition célèbre ces premières italiennes et honore les acteurs méconnus avec la remise du 7e Trophée des commissaires. François Bruere, peintre officiel des 24 Heures du Mans, lie avec élégance le passé au présent avec la série "Première Italienne" des quatre marques. Francis Piquera, parrain de l'édition, partagera ses anecdotes sur les belles époques passées. Animations, expositions et voitures exceptionnelles seront également visibles via cinq plateaux dédiés aux marques mises à l'honneur. Les collectionneurs et passionnés peuvent exposer en contactant  [email protected] . Début des hostilités à 16h00.

Jeudi 13 juin – Arnage dans la course

De 9h à 17h, Arnage dans la Course mettra en avant les sports mécaniques auto et moto à travers une exposition statique, des rencontres avec des acteurs des sports mécaniques sarthois et une parade en centre-ville d'Arnage.

Cette nouvelle édition sera l’occasion de mettre en avant le retour d’Alpine sur le circuit des 24 Heures du Mans, avec la présence exceptionnelle de deux anciens pilotes de l’écurie : Alain Serpaggi et Christian Ethuin.

Vendredi 14 juin 2024 – Classic British Welcome

Il dure depuis 2001 ! Nous parlons bien évidemment du Classic British Welcome de Saint Saturnin, passage obligatoire pour les Britanniques avant que n'ouvre l'autoroute et qui voit sa population tripler pendant le week-end des 24 Heures du Mans.

Une fois encore, le vendredi 14 juin de 9h à 17h, des milliers de voitures seront exposées. Le thème de cette année : Mercedes-Benz, pour fêter notamment les 70 ans de la mythique 300 SL. Et avec deux parrains de marque : Jean-Luc Chéreau et Pierre Yver. A noter qu'un écran géant sera installé pour pouvoir suivre La Grande Parade des Pilotes.

Vendredi 14 juin 2024 – Association virage de mulsanne

Comme c'est devenu la tradition, l'association virage de Mulsanne organise un rassemblement de véhicules de prestige à même la piste, au moment où celle-ci est ouverte au public. Une manifestation organisée en collaboration avec le Centre Alpine Le Mans le vendredi 14 juin, de 13h30 à 17h00.

Notre article sera régulièrement mis à jour avec les autres manifestations attendues.

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2023 edition.

With 235,000 spectators, 700 cars racing, more than 8,500 club and collector cars, and hundreds of exhibitors and events, the Le Mans Classic “Centenary edition” has become the biggest gathering of historic automobiles in the world…

While the retrospective of the world’s greatest endurance race is an invitation to enter the world of motor racing and its history, it keeps to the spirit of the Le Mans 24 Hours by looking to the future. Many cars ran on Aramco synthetic fuel, a repeat in XL format of the 2022 experience when this type of fuel was used in historic competition for the first time.

Le Mans Classic, which can also pride itself on having opened the door to clean (historic) motor sport, is back to its twice-yearly pace and looks forward to seeing you in July 2025!

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The movie  ⤋.

BD International: Le Mans CDI3*/CDI1*/CDIJ/CDIP

• Written By: British Dressage
• Published: Wed, 07 Feb 2024 11:31

The following horse and rider combinations have been selected to represent Great Britain this week at Le Mans CDI3*/CDI1*/CDIJ/CDIP in Le Mans, France (08 – 11 February 2024).

CDI3* Big Tour Andrew Gould from Pulborough, West Sussex with Tatiana Skillman’s Genie (bay stallion, 2011, Zhivago x Sandro Hit, KWPN).

Nikolas Kröncke from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, and originally from Germany, with his own Flanell (chestnut stallion, 2011, Fidertanz x De Niro, HANN).

Sarah Millis from Horsham, West Sussex with her own Impressive VDC (chestnut gelding, 2013, Charmeur x Krack C, KWPN).

CDI1* Small Tour Andrew Gould from Pulborough, West Sussex with Terry and Jo Barnett-Knott’s Active Solaris (black gelding, 2014, Sezuan x Fidermark, OLDBG).

CDIJ Juniors Myles Graham  from Swindon, Wiltshire with Caroline Bell’s  Nibeley Union Hit  (dark bay mare, 2007, Nibeley Union Jack x Sandro Hit, AES). 

CDIP Ponies Sofia Games from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire with Janet Oliver and Katie Oliver-Games’ Steendieks Cadillac (chestnut gelding, 2011, FS Chambertin, HOLST)

Abigail Gray from Banchory, Aberdeenshire with her own George Clooney B.S (grey gelding, 2011, Caesar 171 x Santano, KWPN).

TIMES & RESULTS

Watch live with ClipMyHorse.TV

Competition updates & reports

Review: The Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Le Musée des 24 Heures du Mans (“The Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans”) sits right next to the famous 24hr racetrack outside the city of Le Mans, and this year the museum is celebrating its 60th anniversary.

History of the 24 hours of Le Mans

It all starts with the birth of the automobile industry itself. One of the early French pioneers, bell-maker Amédée Bollée, moved to the town of Le Mans in the département of the Sarthe (a river) in 1842, and began working on his passion, steam powered carriages. He built his amazingly successful 12-seater Obéissante (“Obedient”) car in 1873, which immediately proved itself by driving from Paris to Le Mans in 18 hours!

Suddenly Le Mans was the place to be for budding automobile engineers & entrepreneurs (It still is. The automobile industry is the second largest employer in the region after agriculture). As the industry grew, France became enthralled with the glamorous new tech and the Automobile Club de France (ACF) was formed in 1895. Eleven years later, the ACF licensed the département of Sarthe to run a ‘Grand Prix’ race. It would be the birth of Formula 1.

The Automobile Club de la Sarthe, which later became the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) was created to organise the race on a 103-kilometre circuit, on which Hungarian driver Ferenc Szisz triumphed in a Renault.

That one-off event triggered the idea of an annual motor race, but not focused just on speed. Rather – for the benefit of local, national and international car manufacturers who wanted to demonstrate the speed and reliability of their vehicles – the race was to be focused on endurance. The concept of a 24 hour race was born, and the first took place on 26 May 1923 when 33 cars set off around a 17-kilometre circuit outside Le Mans. The “Grand Prix of Speed and Endurance/Rudge-Withworth Cup” was won by a Chenard & Walcker car driven by André Lagache and René Léonard, at an average 92 kph.

The 24 hours of Le Mans – Race and Track

The race is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. Although there is an overall winner, cars also compete in a number of classes .

There must be at least three drivers for each car. Individual drivers cannot drive for more than 4 hours in any 6 hour period, and no single driver can spend more than 14 hours at the wheel in total. Drivers are swapped during fuel stops when the engine must be switched off. It’s another test of reliability – they don’t always switch back on!

The 13.6 km (8.5 mile) ‘Circuit de la Sarthe’ comprises both permanent race track and public roads that are closed for the race. The public roads include the famous 6 kilometre long straight section of the D338 leading into the village of Mulsanne – aka the Mulsanne Straight. I didn’t realise I was on it until I noticed all the scaffolding TV camera towers and fencing being put up as we drove into Le Mans!

The Mulsanne Straight was ‘nerfed’ in 1990 when, for safety reasons, the motor sport governing body, the FIA, disallowed straights longer than 2 km. To be fair, by then cars were getting up to speeds over 400 kph/250 mph! Two chicanes now break the straight up into 3 x 2 km sections.

The 24-hour Le Mans race traditionally takes place on the second weekend of June. This year it was held in August which is how my visit to the museum coincided with practise day! The race itself usually starts in the afternoon on Saturday and finishes at the same time on Sunday. These days there are typically around 60 cars competing.

As an annual event (the schedule has only been interrupted by war, political upheaval and pandemics) it quickly established grandstands, pits, race control and other buildings on the permanent section of race track, which also forms part of the shorter and much twistier permanent ‘Bugatti Circuit’ (the hashed line on map above) which is used for car and motorcycle racing at other times of the year.

The most often asked question about the 24 Hours of Le Mans race is: “What happened to the ‘Le Mans start’?” In the early days cars were lined up on one side of the track and drivers had to run across the track, start up and race off. This was finally dropped, again for safety reasons, in 1970. Too many drivers were being injured in the congested early laps because, in order to shave seconds off their start, they were not putting on their safety harnesses properly.

The 24 hours of Le Mans Museum

The original ‘Automobile Museum de la Sarthe’ opened in 1961, but in 1991 the Automobile Club de l’Ouest moved it into its present home right by the race track. While the focus is on the cars and history of the 24 hours of Le Mans, it also tells the story of the local automobile industry. The permanent exhibition of historic cars, documents, film and photographs is supplemented with a rolling programme of themed temporary exhibitions.

Cars, are of course the main exhibits and at any one time the permanent & temporary exhibitions can display between 100 – 140 historic vehicles. Some of them are fabulous!

The galleries and displays are laid out in a circular tour through the building, starting with a hall of fame featuring some of the big brands and personalities of the 24 hours of Le Mans – everybody from Bentley, Jaguar & Ferrari to Ferry Porsche, Henry Ford II, Ettori Bugatti, & Steve MacQueen.

If you wanted to show off every winning car since 1923, but didn’t have the space for the real things, the model room is a pretty good alternative.

This large circular room with hundreds of detailed models is a fantastic resource for Le Mans fans and petrol heads, who can spend ages seeking out their favourite winners. Actually it’s not that hard, the collection is laid out chronologically.

Models of race winners (Swipe left or click arrow for more detail…)

24 hr Le Mans race winners

Models of the 2004 race winners

It’s not all cars. Motorbikes also race at Le Mans, on the shorter Bugatti Circuit. The ACO set up the 24hr Moto in 1978, and in a nod to the old car starts, riders still have to run to their bikes at the start!

There are some spectacular bikes, and some classic vintage models like this 1913 2hp Lion Peugeot Moto Légère MD2. Note the pedals. This was in the crossover period between bicycles and motorised bicycles. Yup, we’d call it a moped today!

After the bikes, come the cars, starting with some classic vintage automobiles from the era before the 24 hour race. The man who, it’s generally agreed, kicked off the industry in Le Mans, Amédée Bollée, built this sophisticated 2-cylinder, 12 hp Type D Limousine in 1901. Who says radiators have to be flat?!

Amédée Bollée Type D Limousine (Swipe left or click arrow for close-up)

Amédée Bollée radiators

And his son, Léon Bollée, created this elegant 4-cylinder, 24 hp Type G1 Torpédo in 1912.

Léon Bollée Type G1 (Swipe left or click arrow for more…)

Léon Bollée Type G1 interior

This Lancia Type 67 Lambda Torpédo (open tourer) marked a significant milestone in automobile development. It had a monocoque body (no chassis) and independent suspension on the front wheels. It was considered state-of-the-art when it was built in 1923… the same year the Le Mans 24hr started. Its 49 horsepower V4 engine took it up to 113 kph. Over 1,300 were made.

Even in the early years of the 24 hours of Le Mans race, competing automobiles had style and elegance. Perhaps none more so than Ettori Bugatti’s cars. This 1929 Type 40 tourer didn’t race, but plenty of Type 40s did.

But then aerodynamics took over and cars began to be streamlined and began to look rather similar. The path back through the other side of the museum takes visitors past the cars that dominated the 24 hours of Le Mans race from post World War II to the present day.

Porsche 962 C from 1990. (Swipe left or click arrow for more…)

Matra-Simca MS670 1974 Le Mans 24hr winner Above it is the Alpine Renault A441 winner in 1978

Some pre-war race cars *before* aerodynamics dominated car design!

What’s special about this car? The Morgan Onroak LMP2 from 2016 was designed for handicapped drivers, the cockpit could quickly be adapted at changeover for different drivers.

The Museum of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is something of a shrine for petrol heads. Many make the pilgrimage to the Circuit de la Sarthe to visit it year round, but on race days (I was there on the Friday/practice day) it is especially busy. So I was surprised at how easy it was to move around, look at exhibits, and even get some clear photos without people in the way. The museum feels packed with amazing exhibits, but not cramped.

Declaration: I was travelling in the area as a guest of the Pays du Mans tourist office . Museum entry was complementary.

Website : Musée des 24 Heures du Mans

Getting there : The 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum 9 Place Luigi Chinetti 72100 LE MANS France

In What3Words-speak, the entrance is at airship.mammals.filed

It’s a little distance outside Le Mans itself, so it is easiest to self-drive, and there’s plenty of car parking space on non-race days!

Alternatively, you can get a train to Le Mans and then a taxi, OR a tram from the centre of town out to the “Antares” stop, then a lengthy walk, OR the 3, 17 & 12 bus routes go from the centre out to the racetrack.

If you are flush with cash, the Le Mans Aerodrome is next door!

Entry Price (2021) :

You can visit just the museum, or you can visit the track side areas as well.

Opening Hours:

NB. Under current COVID regulations you must have a valid health certificate to visit.

Last entries 1 hour before closing

See also my quick guide to visiting Le Mans

• Classic cars
• vintage car

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• Le Mans Ultimate

Le Mans Ultimate Confirms Free BMW Hypercar DLC For June 10 (Updated)

• Author Yannik Haustein
• Publish date Monday at 10:01
• Article read time 3 min read
• Tags le mans ultimate news sim racing teaser
• Click here to find the latest Fanatec products and deals
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Onboard A BMW?​

More in Le Mans Ultimate

Le mans ultimate’s 2024 wec dlc, subscriptions and ‘complementary services’ previewed.

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• May 8, 2024

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• May 1, 2024

Deicide The Light Bearer

• Monday at 10:15

• Monday at 10:16

Deicide The Light Bearer said: Don't forget this game is still in early beta, plans to start charging for online and future updates, with possible subscription service and this is the last free update they have planned. Never mind the fact the game is losing players at an amazing rate but hey guys lets charge and completely kill the game. BTW they plan to start charging soon, meanwhile.. No VR, No TrackIR, and No Actual Damage models View attachment 756938 Click to expand...

• Monday at 10:22

Trebor901 said: Quit the crying Click to expand...

• Monday at 10:38

How do you forget your own article where they said in the shareholders meeting that only 1 piece of 2024 content would come in june. Pretty amazing tbh  

• Monday at 10:43

New content is cool, but I much prefer the missing single-player features to land: the ability to switch drivers, save your race in the middle, co-op, etc. This is what will make the game truly great on top of the really good fundamentals that it already has.  

Jonny Austin

• Monday at 10:46

Deicide The Light Bearer said: Don't forget this game is still in early beta, plans to start charging for online and future updates, with possible subscription service and this is the last free update they have planned. Never mind the fact the game is losing players at an amazing rate but hey guys lets charge and completely kill the game. BTW they plan to start charging soon, meanwhile.. No VR, No TrackIR, basic replay system, and No Actual Damage models Click to expand...

• Monday at 11:09

alphajerk said: New content is cool, but I much prefer the missing single-player features to land: the ability to switch drivers, save your race in the middle, co-op, etc. This is what will make the game truly great on top of the really good fundamentals that it already has. Click to expand...

• Monday at 11:10

Deicide The Light Bearer said: ...meanwhile.. No VR, No TrackIR, basic replay system, and No Actual Damage models Click to expand...

• Monday at 11:48

This game better come out before ACE, otherwise only few people will even remember LMU exists.  

• Monday at 11:58

The failure of this title, even if we ignore the ineptness of MSG doesn't bode well for any single-series focused title. Considering that outside of F1, lemans would have to be the most well known or at least heard of race and most likely to have some level of mainstream recognition. So, No need to implement VR, That wont save it, and the small amount of revenue bought in by the initial sales would have already disappeared into their cavity of debt without even causing pause for the MSG train wreck.  

DonaldRacer

• Monday at 11:59

Hoping for Imola as well, its a fun track!  

Jimmi Allison

• Monday at 12:23

Trebor901 said: No you're just whining and crying like a child. Get a life. Click to expand...

• Monday at 12:52

Yeah I'm gutted with this one. I (PERSONALLY) don't want to hand over money for an unknown quantity, even for my favorite series. At least I would like to know what it costs to get what I want, rather than invest now and hope for the best. To buy it, I (PERSONALLY) want to be able to play an offline championship of Le Mans as it is in 2024. I think that's reasonable. The game needs to work properly. If that means buying the base game and extras, what is the complete cost. But I can wait.  

• Monday at 13:02

Its a shame this game has almost died on arrival. imho i think the devs forgot that even in early access a game that is multiplayer focused has to have some degree of stability. Its fine to crash in single player but online when theres SA and DR at risk its a no no. If only they had focused another month on stability b4 release.  

• Monday at 13:20

A new car will be welcome, even if it is a 2023 model, new to WEC for 2024. But that is a long way to go to represent a 2024 season as many cars and many tracks will still be missing. When you claim to offer a series focused game, you need to offer the total series content: cars, tracks and liveries. I hope, the June update will at least advance this game to a better state, bringing the features that should have been there all along, as they are part of RF2, and possibly features that should be in any 2023/2024 game offering. This offering will not do well based only on the adoration from the RF2 diehards, as vociferous they can be in this particular forum. The truth is, we are seeing so much potential but so little achievement. Instead of teasing, which by the way, only works if you are beautiful, just let every body know what you have really achieved as progress so far and what we can expect June 10th, before we loose interest totally.  

• Monday at 13:24

• Monday at 13:38

Its confirmed BTW - https://twitter.com/x/status/1795062738953105735  

Lucio Distilleri

• Monday at 13:49

no VR in June...this means that the train has passed...no point in buying it, too many months have already passed and the gap from other players would be too great...I give my compliments to MSG, they have succeeded in the difficult feat of losing a slice of the market that is extremely on target  

BillyBobSenna

Deicide The Light Bearer said: Don't forget this game is still in early beta, Click to expand...

Latest News

• Yannik Haustein
• Updated: Today at 18:20
• Updated: Today at 18:16
• Updated: Today at 15:03
• Updated: Today at 15:00
• Updated: Today at 13:00
• Updated: Yesterday at 17:55

• Connor Minniss

Article information

Share this article, what is the reason for your passion for sim racing, watching real motorsport, physics and mechanics, competition and adrenaline, practice for real racing, community and simracers.

Classic & Sports Car

16 cars with 16-cylinder engines

Posted: 4 January 2024 | Last updated: 4 January 2024

To paraphrase an oft-used maxim, ‘Sometimes, there ain’t no substitute for cylinders’. Throughout automotive history, four-, six- and eight-cylinder engines have been the norm for production cars, with 12-cylinder engines being on the fringe of high-end performance and/or luxury-car engineering.

But, occasionally, even the might of a big-block V8 or large-capacity V12 wasn’t quite enough to satisfy a car manufacturer’s desire to create something outrageously powerful – or simply to go one better than its rival. 

So here, in all their inestimable glory, are 16 road, race and concept cars that all boast 16-cylinder engines, presented in chronological order, plus a brief explanation about their two main configurations.

Double eight

A majority of 16-pot engines have their cylinder banks configured in a vee formation, normally separated by an optimal 45 degrees.

Each bank of eight cylinders is effectively a straight-eight and, much like the two straight-six banks of a V12, has an inherent dynamic balance, making a V16 exceptionally smooth-running. 

The biggest drawback with a V16 engine is its dimensions, which in turn require a car of generous proportions to accommodate it. Along with, of course, its insatiable thirst.

Four by four

The Volkswagen Group is the only manufacturer of note to have mastered the W-configuration engine with eight, 12 and, in this case, 16 cylinders.

Laid out in four banks, each with four cylinders, the W16 is effectively two, narrow-angle, 90-degree V8s operating from a common crankshaft.

Like the V16, prodigious thirst remains the engine’s bugbear, but its W-configuration makes it more compact, lending its host car dynamic and packaging advantages. 

1. 1929 Maserati Tipo V4

Alfa Romeo was one of the car makers to experiment with 16-cylinder engines, trialling the first such unit in its Tipo V4 racing car.

Comprising two eight-cylinder 26B engines working off a common crankshaft, each bank was supercharged, generating a total output of 305bhp from the 4-litre unit.

Performance was impressive by the standards of the day, the Tipo V4 achieving a top speed of more than 160mph.

2. 1930 Cadillac Series 452

Keen to steal a march over arch-rival Packard, with its V12-engined range-topper, Cadillac launched its Series 452-A V16 flagship model to up the ante.

With its Owen Nacker-designed engine comprising two straight-eight Buick units sharing a common crankshaft, the 452’s name derived from its overall cubic-inch displacement (equal to 7.4 litres).

The V16 engine bestowed the 452 with exceptional refinement, yet was still capable of powering the car to more than 100mph.

GM’s legendary designer, Harley Earl, was responsible for the 452’s styling, which helped position Cadillac in the bespoke-luxury market.

3. 1931 Marmon Sixteen

Equipped with another Nacker-designed V16 engine, once again using a single crankshaft and overhead-valve arrangement, the Marmon Sixteen was the pinnacle of American automotive excess.

Weighing in at a profligate 2177kg (4800lb), the Sixteen required an even larger 8-litre V16 to match its rival Cadillac 452’s 100mph-plus top speed. 

The Sixteen was made for three years in small numbers, and available as a saloon, coupé and convertible.

4. 1932 Peerless V16

The Peerless V16 monster never reached production. Initially showcased as a prototype in 1931 for the following model year, the car maker commenced build of two more coupés, only to be scuppered by a sharp drop in sales following the Great Depression.

Very similar in design to Marmon’s V16, the 7.6-litre unit from Peerless was said to produce 175bhp and 320lb ft of torque, once again powering the Murphy-bodied car to 100mph.

Alas, the V16 was the company’s swansong. After prohibition was repealed two years later, Peerless switched to brewing alcoholic beverages.

5. 1933 Auto Union Type A-C

The product of a state-sponsored race programme, Auto Union’s mid-engined, 16-cylinder Grand Prix car was developed by none other than Ferdinand Porsche.

The Auto Union evolved through four iterations – designated ‘A’ to ‘C’ – before the outbreak of war, with power of at least 295bhp from its 6-litre V16 engine. (A Type D with a supercharged V12 was the final version.)

Capable of up to 199mph when fitted with a streamlined body and enclosed cockpit, the Auto Union won numerous races in the European Championship.

6. 1938 Alfa Romeo Tipo 316

Using its 12C racing car’s platform, Alfa Romeo campaigned the V16 Tipo 316 in the 1938 European Championship. Its best result was a second-place finish in the Grand Prix of Italy.

However, despite its 4.1-litre engine’s 212bhp output (and 7500rpm redline!), as well as its 162mph top speed, it still couldn’t compete with the mighty Auto Union, which had by this time ditched its V16 engine in favour of a supercharged V12.

7. 1938 Cadillac Series 90

Cadillac’s Series 90 was a follow-up model to the 1930 452, which used a second-generation V16 engine, now with a flathead design and its cylinder banks separated by a 135-degree angle, with twin carburettors and fuel pumps.

Performance of the Series 90 was exceptional by the standards of the day, its 7.1-litre V16 engine still managing a 90mph top speed, despite the car weighing a colossal 2456kg (5415lb).

Although the Series 90’s V16 was more refined than in the 452 model, it never matched the earlier car’s sales, with marginally more than 500 being built before production ended in 1940.

8. 1951 BRM P15

BRM’s ambitious post-war race programme was led by the V16-powered P15. In order to comply with the new Formula One regulations, the engine could displace no more than 1.5 litres and had to be supercharged. 

BRM’s solution relied upon its engine using a twin centrifugal supercharger, boosting the P15’s maximum power to c525bhp and giving it a 170mph potential.

However, P15s only started one event in 1951, finishing fifth and seventh. The following year, the FIA reverted to Formula Two regulations for the cars, with which the P15 did not comply, and the project was abandoned.

Continuation car pictured

9. 1988 BMW 750iL ‘Goldfisch’

BMW’s Project Goldfisch started with an E32-generation 750iL model and grafted an extra two cylinders to each of its existing M70 V12 engine’s cylinder banks to create a 16-pot über-saloon.

In order to accommodate the V16’s extra length, the car’s cooling pack was moved to the boot, with requisite cooling ducts built into the rear wings.

BMW ultimately passed on developing the project any further, and its 6.7-litre engine was never productionised.

10. 1995 Jimenez Novia

The Jimenez Novia was one man’s tribute to the legendary Porsche 917 sports car.

Frenchman Ramon Jimenez handbuilt the car, which was powered by an entirely bespoke 4.1-litre W16 engine built up from four Yamaha FZR1000 motorcycle powerplants.

Producing c560bhp, the mid-engined one-off achieved a verified top speed of 236mph.

But despite ambitious plans to enter the car in the Le Mans 24-hour enduro, and commence series production, financial difficulties finally scuppered the project.

11. 2003 Cadillac Sixteen

Inspired by its pre-war V16 model, Cadillac’s Sixteen concept eschewed any notion of production viability, and effectively presented a 21st-century version of GM’s ‘dream cars’ of yore.

Riding on 24in polished aluminium wheels, the 5.7m-long Sixteen was powered by a bespoke 13.6-litre V16 engine producing 986bhp (1000hp) and 1000lb ft of torque.

‘Displacement on Demand’ tech meant that either eight or 12 of the engine’s cylinders could be shut down when output wasn’t needed, meaning it could achieve a relatively frugal 16.65mpg under normal running.

12. 2004 Rolls-Royce 100EX

To celebrate its centenary, Rolls-Royce unveiled the lavish 100EX, an open-top, four-seat, two-door experimental vehicle designed to evaluate new systems, components and features.

Based around the then-new Phantom model’s aluminium spaceframe, the 100EX was powered by a 9-litre, 64-valve engine delivering drive to the rear wheels through a six-speed automatic gearbox.

Typically, Rolls-Royce remained coy about the origins of the engine, though output was quoted as 759bhp at 5900rpm, and a prodigious 1100lb ft of torque at just 2900rpm.

13. 2005 Bugatti Veyron 16.4

The mighty Veyron was to be VW Group chief Ferdinand Piëch’s tour de force.

His brief to Bugatti’s engineers was simple: create a 1000hp (986bhp) hypercar capable of 250mph, and we’ll sell it for €1m.

The Veyron’s development was tortuous, its W16 engine – the marriage of cylinder banks from two VW narrow-angled VR8 engines on to a single crankshaft – requiring 10 radiators to keep it cool.

But it was worth it: with eight litres, four turbochargers and an output, as requested, of 986bhp (1000hp), the Veyron powered its way to 253mph, taking the ‘world’s fastest production car’ mantle from the McLaren F1.

14. 2016 Bugatti Chiron

Tasked with replacing the Veyron, Bugatti’s engineers knew that its successor, the Chiron, needed to raise the performance bar even higher – no mean feat.

Once again using the 8-litre W16 engine, Bugatti redesigned its inlet manifold and fuel-injection system, and installed four larger and more powerful turbochargers.

Along with other myriad upgrades, the new Chiron was unveiled at the Geneva show with a faintly ridiculous output of 1479bhp (1500hp).

15. 2017 Devel Sixteen

UAE-based Devel Motors claimed in 2017 that its Sixteen would be the world’s fastest production car, with a top speed of 364mph and 0-60mph acceleration of 1.6 secs.

The range-topper was set to have a quad-turbo, 12.3-litre V16 with 4939bhp and 3757lb ft torque.

However, to date, only one V8-powered Sixteen has been produced.

16. 2019 Bugatti Chiron Super Sport 300+

Our parting 16-cylinder shot comes once again from Bugatti. As if the ‘standard’ Chiron wasn’t quite potent enough, along comes its Super Sport 300+ sibling.

Developed by Bugatti in conjunction with Michelin and engineering firm Dallara, the Super Sport 300+ adopted a 9.8in longer rear end and a power boost from its quad-turbocharged W16 engine to 1578bhp.

In 2019, Le Mans-winning driver Andy Wallace drove the car to a verified 304.77mph at Volkswagen’s Ehra-Lessien test track.

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24h Le Mans

Four amazing concerts and a packed programme for the 92nd 24 hours of le mans.

The 10-day long 24 Hours of Le Mans extravaganza will kick off on Friday 7 June, with the start of the scrutineering sessions. These technical and administrative checks take place at Place de la République in central Le Mans and are one of the highlights of the Le Mans experience. Scrutineering will continue on Saturday 8 June, and there’s a surprise in store for 24 Hours of Le Mans fans in the city centre. More news on this in a few weeks’ time – watch this space!

Sunday 9 June is Test Day, when the cars will get their first taste of track action. For the second year running, there will also be a support race on Test Day, with the Ligier European Series.

After a day’s rest, there’ll be a pit walk, autograph session and the Pit Stop Challenge on Tuesday 11 June. This challenge, back for the third year running, showcases the mechanics’ skills during a series of wheel changes and is always a fan favourite.

Then, on Wednesday 12 June, the serious stuff begins! In the morning, there will be the free practice sessions for the support races, including the début of the Lamborghini Super Trofeo in La Sarthe. Then come the first Free Practice and Qualifying sessions for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The week’s first concert will take place at the circuit that evening.

Since 2020, Thursday has been Hyperpole day. This spectacular session sees 24 competitors (8 in Hypercar, 8 in LMP2 and 8 in LMGT3) go head-to-head on the 13.626-km circuit in a test of sheer speed, unimpeded by traffic. To train the spotlight on amateur drivers, this session is reserved for Bronze drivers in the LMGT3 class.

Like Tuesday, Friday 14 June will be all about the fans. After the Fun Cup in the morning, all the volunteers involved in the race will be honoured in a special ceremony on track. The track then opens to the public at 3 pm, offering spectators a rare opportunity to step out on the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. Anyone can come along and explore the track on foot or using an eco-friendly form of transport, such as a bicycle, a kick scooter or rollerskates. From 4 pm, the ever-popular Drivers Parade organised by Classic Automotive will take to the streets of Le Mans. The day will end with another concert.

The moment everyone will have been waiting for, the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, is scheduled for 4 pm on Saturday 15 June. However, there’ll be an array of entertainment in the lead-up to the main event, including a series of support races such as Road to Le Mans and the spectacular delivery of the French flag, by helicopter. At nightfall fans can look forward to a concert from Simple Minds followed by the “24 Hours of Le Mans Show”. At last year’s Centenary event, spectators were wowed by the fireworks and drone display and now the show is back with a new story to tell – the rivalry between the big manufacturers.

Meanwhile, the race goes on through the night, ending at 4 pm on Sunday 16 June. Ferrari, Toyota, Cadillac, Peugeot, Porsche, Alpine, BMW, Isotta Fraschini, Lamborghini... Who will lift the trophy at the end of what promises to be another historic race?

BRACE YOURSELVES FOR FOUR EPIC CONCERTS

One of the highlights of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the selection of top-notch bands and performers that grace the trackside stage.

For 2024, the ACO can reveal a stellar line-up of headline acts, in partnership with Crédit Mutuel.

Wednesday 12 June 2024, from 8 pm: opening act followed by LOUISE ATTAQUE

Did you know? Despite being relatively unknown at the time, French rock band Louise Attaque sold a record 3 million copies of their self-titled début album in 1997. They followed that phenomenal achievement with a further four albums and toured the world, as far afield as Asia and South America. The band – Gaëtan Roussel (guitar and vocals), Robin Feix (bass) and Arnaud Samuel (violon) – released their latest album,

Planète Terre in April 2022. After a career spanning 27 years and another triumphant tour last year, Louise Attaque will be back on the road in 2024.

Thursday 13 June 2024, from 8 pm: opening act followed by BIGFLO & OLI

Les autres, c’est nous, the fourth album from French hip-hop duo Bigflo & Oli dropped in 2022, after a two-year creative journey taking them from Toulouse to Barcelona and Los Angeles. With over a billion views on YouTube, over a billion streams, over a million albums sold, three Victoires de la Musique trophies and 10 NRJ Music Awards, no one can contest Bigflo & Oli’s phenomenal success. In a few short years, they have become a landmark on the French music scene. After a sell-out tour of the country’s Zénith venues in 2023, the duo has announced a stadium tour for 2024.

Friday 14 June 2024, from 8 pm: opening act followed by OFENBACH

DJ duo Dorian and César, better known as Ofenbach, are now the most streamed French group/duo in the world. With two Diamond, 22 Platinum and 21 Gold certifications to their name, the Parisian electro duo are firmly on an upward trajectory and look set for a long and prosperous career. They are never happier than when DJ-ing on stage and touring the globe. In 2023, Ofenbach hit the road again with a brand-new set and exclusive performances across the world.

Saturday 15 June 2024, from 8 pm: opening act followed by SIMPLE MINDS

Simple Minds have enjoyed a remarkable career since the release of their début album Life in a Day in 1979. Their musical style has changed constantly over the years, but their catchy choruses and atmospheric sound soon earned them icon status in the 1980s. Along the way, they’ve had five chart-topping albums and a host of No. 1 singles on both sides of the Atlantic, sold over 60 million albums and filled stadiums around the world. Following their hugely successful “40 Years of Hits” tour in 2022, which was a sell-out at La Seine Musicale in Paris and in Lille, Bordeaux and Lyon, Simple Minds are back in France for a leg of their new “Global Tour 2024”, stopping off at the Zénith venues in Paris, Nantes, Clermont-Ferrand, Strasbourg and Dijon!

* Subject to availability. Student rate limited to 5,000 tickets per evening.

• Test Day 2023
• Entry list by Infos Course
• 24 Heures du Mans 2023
• Results | 24 Heures du Mans

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24H LE MANS

24h Le Mans

• Guided tours - explore the Le Mans circuits!

Every week from April to September, visitors to Le Mans will be able to take a guided tour of the town's famous race tracks. This is a great opportunity to get a glimpse behind the scenes and learn more about the history of the world famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race.

Visit the site of the 24 Hours of Le Mans! The Circuit de la Sarthe is full of history. Every year, its facilities play host to the greatest 24-hour car race in the world, but there are several other prestigious events at the track, including the 24-hour motorcycle race, the French motorcycle Grand Prix, the 24-hour go-karting event and the 24-hour truck race. The guided tour lasts around an hour and three-quarters and draws motorsports enthusiasts and tourists alike. As from Saturday 2 April, you can book a tour any Saturday outside school holidays and special events, so why not come along and explore some of the track’s emblematic spots, from the race control office to the media room and, of course, the podium ! The tour is led by a guide who shares facts, figures and fascinating anecdotes on the legendary circuit’s 110 years of action-packed history. The guided tours cost €12 for adults (€8 ACO members) and €5 for 12-18 year-olds (under-12s go free). Make your booking via the Boutique Officielle des 24 Heures du Mans on +33 (0)2.43.40.24.65 or at [email protected] .

Dates for the next guided tours – book now! • Saturday 2 April 2016 • Saturday 16 April 2016 • Saturday 30 April 2016 • Saturday 14 May 2016 • Saturday 28 May 2016 • Saturday 25 June 2016

Geoffroy Barre | Translated from French by Clair Pickworth  

• 24 Heures du Mans
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F1 boss gives update on Ferrari star's future after transfer talks

One of Formula 1's most prominent team principals has given an update on the future of a Ferrari star following intense driver market speculation.

The Scuderia enjoyed a historic weekend at the Monaco Grand Prix, with hometown hero Charles Leclerc finally securing his first win at the iconic circuit, having been unable to capitalise on pole position in the Principality on two previous occasions.

READ MORE: FIA announce Monaco penalty verdict for Ferrari star

Leclerc's team-mate Carlos Sainz stood alongside the Monegasque on the podium, finishing third behind McLaren's Oscar Piastri, after a dramatic start on lap one almost put him out of the race.

The Spaniard suffered a puncture after contact with Piastri but the red flag caused by the crash between Red Bull's Sergio Perez and the two Haas cars meant he was able to change his tyres and restart in third, his original position on the starting grid.

Where will Carlos Sainz end up in 2025?

Carlos Sainz has impressed this season , but will leave Ferrari at the end of 2024 to make way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton .

A straight switch to the vacant Mercedes seat seems unlikely , with the Silver Arrows most likely to promote their junior driver Kimi Andrea Antonelli to partner George Russell.

Sainz has also been heavily linked with Sauber, who will become Audi from 2026 onwards. But while the 29-year-old's future reminds undecided, the Swiss outfit has already secured the services of Haas man Nico Hulkenberg for next season .

Now it appears Williams are interested in Sainz, after he was seen talking to the team in Monaco.

Williams team principal James Vowles, formerly of Mercedes, was full of praise for the former McLaren and Renault racer when asked about the talks by RACER .

READ MORE: F1 team boss warns star driver's seat under threat for 2025

“He is a great driver. He has been among the absolute top for years - during his years at Toro Rosso he was as fast as Max [Verstappen], and at McLaren he could compete with Lando Norris . It would be foolish not to consider him,” Vowles said.

“In general, I prefer to invest in young drivers. We also have to look at what is best for the team. That is why I think we will have to rely on expertise in the coming years.

" Williams is going to change a lot in the near future, so it is nice to have a driver on board who knows what it is like to drive at the front.”

READ MORE: F1 driver in 'position A' for Hamilton seat REVEALED

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Tadej Pogacar: Slovenian rules out Giro d'Italia-Tour de France-Vuelta a Espana Triple Crown - 'Too crazy'

Published 28/05/2024 at 16:13 GMT

Tadej Pogacar has ruled out competing in the Vuelta a Espana this year after his Giro d’Italia domination. In an interview for Eurosport and the UCI, the Slovenian says “I like new challenges, I’m not closed to anything,” but admits that currently, aiming to conquer three Grand Tours in the same year is “maybe a bit too crazy".

‘a rider for the history books’ - relive pogacar’s stunning 2024 giro d’italia triumph, 'if i arrive with these legs, it's going to be just fine' – pogacar bullish on giro-tour double.

27/05/2024 at 18:50

• Tadej Pogacar eyes Tour de France after Giro d'Italia win - 'If I arrive with these legs, it's going to be just fine'
• Tadej Pogacar wins Giro d'Italia as Tim Merlier sees off resurgent Jonathan Milan in Stage 21 sprint

Stage 20 highlights: Pogacar decimates rivals again in mountains as victory beckons

'I don't need it, it's for you' - Pogacar picks up bottle, just to hand it to fan

Giro 'might be the last time I race for GC' - Thomas

25/05/2024 at 22:15

'He doesn't need a push!' - Pogacar survives mountain gauntlet as 'silly' fans cause trouble

25/05/2024 at 17:46