The 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is shaping up to be an extraordinary event. If all 23 cars in the Hypercar class participate, it will be the largest number of cars competing for the overall victory in over ten years. Not to mention the 16 cars in the LMP2 class and the 23 in the LMGT3 class.
Among the nine manufacturers in the Hypercar class, Porsche, Ferrari, and Toyota are considered the main competitors. Porsche has performed exceptionally well this year, winning two out of three races in the FIA World Endurance Championship. The Penske factory team and the JOTA customer team have secured victories. Toyota, on the other hand, has only won one race this year and faces strong competition from its rivals.
Defending champion Ferrari has faced challenges this year with poor pace, strategy, and luck. However, they are determined to rectify the situation and secure another victory at Le Mans. Like Porsche, Ferrari will have three cars competing, while Toyota will have only two.
Cadillac, despite a tumultuous year so far, hopes to perform better at Le Mans. The American team will have three factory cars from two teams, including Chip Ganassi Racing and Action Express Racing. Peugeot, with its new 9X8 car, is also looking to make an impact at Le Mans.
Alpine, BMW, Lamborghini, and Isotta Fraschini are the new entries in the race. Alpine and BMW have had decent starts to the year, while Lamborghini has faced challenges with its new SC63 car. Isotta Fraschini, the only “boutique” manufacturer in the WEC, has shown improvement throughout the season.
In the LMP2 class, which is essentially a spec class, there are eight “Pro” cars and eight “Pro/Am” cars. Inter Europol Competition and Crowdstrike Racing by APR are the defending champions in their respective subclasses. COOL Racing’s entry in the Pro class looks strong, while Ben Keating returns in the Pro/Am class with United Autosports.
For the first time, GT3 cars will be competing in the 24 Hours. Nine manufacturers, including Porsche, Aston Martin, Ferrari, Corvette, BMW, McLaren, Lamborghini, Ford, and Lexus, have entered to race in the LMGT3 class. Each manufacturer also brings their own Hypercar program. It is worth noting that MotoGP legend Valentino Rossi will be driving for BMW.
With three classes and 62 cars, the 24 Hours of Le Mans promise to be an incredible event.
