Key facts
- The 24 Hours of Le Mans, a historic endurance race, is taking place this weekend in France.
- Sixty-two cars are competing across three classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3.
- The race is known for testing new automotive technologies with significant road relevance.
- The Hypercar class features factory teams and professional drivers, with cars built to LMH or LMDh specifications.
- LMP2 cars are prototypes with a standardized engine and no hybrid system, often featuring a mix of pro and amateur drivers.
- A unified racing class is planned for 2030 across Le Mans, WEC, and IMSA championships.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of motorsport's most prestigious endurance races, is set to take place this weekend in France. This event, first held in 1923, is part of the unofficial 'triple crown' of motorsport, alongside the Indianapolis 500 and the Monaco Grand Prix. This year, 62 cars will compete over 1440 minutes on a circuit that combines a permanent race track with public roads.
The race has historically served as a crucial testing ground for automotive manufacturers, driving innovation in areas such as disc brakes, hybrid technology, direct-injection engines, and advanced lighting systems. These advancements often find their way into production road cars.
This year's competition is divided into three classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3. The Hypercar class features top factory teams with all-professional driver lineups, utilizing either LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) or LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) specifications. LMH cars are designed entirely in-house, while LMDh cars share a common chassis, hybrid system, and transmission from specialized builders, with manufacturers designing the bodywork, engine, and software. Aston Martin's Valkyrie is a notable example of a car built to LMH rules, originating from a road-going hypercar.
To ensure competitive racing, a 'balance of performance' system is employed to equalize the capabilities of different cars, with a maximum power output of 670 hp (500 kW). The LMP2 class features cars that are a step below Hypercars, using a standardized 4.0 L Gibson V8 engine producing 600 hp (447 kW) without a hybrid system. These cars are known for their aerodynamic downforce and are often raced by a mix of professional and amateur drivers, including notable figures from the tech industry.
Looking ahead, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), IMSA, and the FIA have announced plans for a unified racing class in 2030, which will apply to Le Mans, the World Endurance Championship (WEC), and the WeatherTech Championship. This future class will feature rear-wheel-drive hybrid cars, allowing for either complete in-house design (LMH) or the use of an approved chassis and hybrid system as a base (LMDh).