The top-tier Hypercar category is composed of Toyota, Porsche, Ferrari, Alpine, Lamborghini, Cadillac, Peugeot, Isotta Fraschini, and BMW. In the GT3 classification, we have Aston Martin, BMW, Porsche, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Lexus, and McLaren.
The LMP2 class is an exclusive series with 16 Oreca vehicles powered by Gibson. Although it is no longer part of the WEC, the ACO organizers have not ruled out the possibility of including this category.
In the highly competitive field of multiple car manufacturers, all teams believe they have a chance of victory. However, strong competitors like Ferrari (last year’s champions), Toyota (current WEC champion), Porsche, Cadillac, and Peugeot have a real chance if luck is on their side.
Porsche has an impressive record of 36 victories at Le Mans (second only to Audi with 15 victories) and remains a formidable force this year, with victory number 37 within reach. Currently, they lead the IMSA and WEC championships. Although they are the team to beat, the competition is incredibly fierce and it is difficult to predict the outcome.
It is worth noting that with the advancement of technology, especially in Hypercars, these vehicles can now maintain top speed throughout the entire 24-hour race duration. This has turned modern Le Mans races into endurance races, where anything can happen. Last lap victories and other dramatic moments have added excitement to the race in recent years.
The official Le Mans test day consisted of two three-hour sessions, involving a total of 62 cars registered for this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is the fourth round of the FIA WEC.
The overall fastest time was achieved by entry No. 6 from Porsche Penske, a Hypercar challenger, with a time of 3:26.907 in the second testing session. This was an improvement compared to last year’s Test Day best time, which was set by Hypercar AF Corse No. 51 Ferrari 499P, by almost three seconds.
The second fastest time was recorded by entry No. 4 from Porsche Penske, which was 0.473 seconds faster than entry No. 8 from Toyota Gazoo Racing GR010 Hybrid Hypercar. Right behind them were entry No. 5 from Porsche 963 and entry No. 50 from AF Corse Ferrari 499P, completing the top five.
In the morning session, entry No. 7 from Toyota GR010 Hybrid, from Toyota Gazoo Racing, set the fastest lap time of 3:28.467. Porsche Penske and BMW M Team WRT took second and third places, with entry No. 6 from Porsche 963 clocking a time of 03:29.270 and entry No. 20 from BMW M Hybrid V8 registering a time of 03:29.433.
2023 marked the final year of the LMGTE regulations, which were replaced by the thriving GT3 regulations that follow Pro-Am specifications. According to these new rules, cars must have one driver classified as Bronze and an additional driver classified as Bronze or Silver in their teams.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is the most anticipated event on the FIA WEC calendar. The race, which first took place in 1923, serves as a platform to showcase automotive innovation, durability, and performance.
The only time the prestigious race was not held was in 1936 due to a general strike in France, as well as during the periods of World War II and the subsequent reconstruction between 1940 and 1948. This year will mark the 92nd edition of the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans at the Sarthe circuit.
The No. 82 entry from TF Sport emerged as the fastest overall, with the Corvette Z06 LMGT3.R setting an impressive time of 3:59.883. The top three LMGT3 cars were incredibly close, with the Heart of Racing and Team WRT teams, second and third fastest, recording identical lap times of 3:59.520.
Renowned French football idol Zinedine Zidane has been chosen as the official starter for the June edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) stated: “Zinedine Zidane, acclaimed as one of France’s greatest sportsmen and one of the best football players in the history of the sport, has been appointed as the Official Starter of the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans.”
Zidane joins a distinguished list of VIPs who have had the honor of waving the French national flag to signal the start of the endurance race. Previous flag bearers include Rafael Nadal in 2018, Steve McQueen in 1971, and LeBron James last year.
Expressing his admiration for the event, Zidane commented: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is incomparable. It’s an iconic race for motorsport enthusiasts around the world and a source of immense pride for France. My mind is filled with images of the race, the legendary drivers, and the incredible stories, although most of them are from TV or movies!”
© 2024
A major scandal has occurred in the world of sports today. A famous football player has been caught in a doping scandal. The player, who cannot be named for legal reasons, was caught in a drug test conducted after an important match.
According to reliable sources, the player is said to have used banned substances to enhance their performance on the field. This shocking discovery has rocked the football world and left fans incredulous.
The player now faces serious consequences for his actions. He may be suspended for a long period of time and even permanently banned from the sport. In addition, he may also face legal proceedings and have his reputation permanently tarnished.
This story is becoming one of the most talked about on social media. Fans and experts are expressing their disappointment and outrage with the player. Some believe he should be severely punished, while others argue that he deserves a second chance.
Regardless of the final outcome, this scandal will serve as a reminder to all athletes about the importance of playing fair and following the rules. Doping in sports is an unfair and unethical practice, and should not be tolerated under any circumstances.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing case. We will provide more information as it becomes available.