Le Mans Start
The 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans: Ferrari claims back-to-back wins, Genesis yet to debut.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an annual endurance race held at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France. The 92nd running took place on 15–16 June 2024, and was the third round of the 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship. The overall winner was the #50 Ferrari AF Corse 499P driven by Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina, and Nicklas Nielsen.
- Location
- Circuit de la Sarthe, France
- Date
- Varies annually (typically June)
- Race Number
- Varies (93rd held in 2024)
Lore & Background
The race has been organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest since its inception. The 2024 edition saw Ferrari secure its second consecutive victory, with the LMP2 class won by the No. 22 Oreca 07 of United Autosports, and the LMGT3 class going to the No. 92 Porsche 911 GT3 R of Manthey PureRxcing.
In Their Own Story
By the first corner, Will Stevens in the #12 Cadillac had overtaken pole-sitter Kevin Magnussen, and René Rast in the #20 BMW took the lead at the Mulsanne Straight. Mike Conway's #7 Toyota pitted after only 29 minutes, followed by the sister #8 car, placing them fifth and first respectively by the one-hour mark. The race saw dramatic incidents: Antonio Fuoco spun after contacting an LMP2, and Alessandro Pier Guidi crashed into the #9 Proton Competition LMP2 at the Forest esses, earning a drive-through penalty. A full-course yellow was deployed after crashes involving the #88 Proton Ford and #54 AF Corse Ferrari LMGT3s. Later, the #12 Cadillac inherited the lead but suffered a drive-through penalty for speeding in a slow zone. With four and a half hours remaining, Robin Frijns in the #20 BMW lost time in the gravel during pit entry, allowing Brendon Hartley's #8 Toyota to pass. By the 21st hour, Toyota held the 1–2 positions.
Reader's Guide
The race is held over 24 hours on a circuit that includes public roads. The 2026 entry list featured 62 cars across three classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3. Pole position was taken by Dries Vanthoor in a BMW M Team WRT Hypercar. The race featured numerous lead changes between BMW, Cadillac, and Toyota, with seven cars finishing on the lead lap.
Did You Know?
- Ferrari's 2024 victory marked a two-year winning streak, not three.
- The No. 22 United Autosports Oreca 07 took LMP2 honors in 2024.
- The LMGT3 class winner in 2024 was the No. 92 Manthey PureRxcing Porsche 911 GT3 R.
- Genesis had not yet competed at Le Mans as of 2024.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the 'Le Mans start' tradition?
This unique ritual required drivers to sprint across the track from one side to their cars before starting the engine and beginning the race. It was a defining feature of the event's early years, designed to test driver fitness and add dramatic flair to the opening moments.
When did the 'Le Mans start' tradition end?
The practice was officially discontinued after the 1969 race due to serious safety concerns regarding drivers running on an active track. Organizers replaced it with a stationary start to eliminate the risk of collisions and injuries at the beginning of the event.
Why is the 'Le Mans start' considered important in racing history?
It remains one of the most iconic images of motorsport, symbolizing the raw intensity and unique character that set Le Mans apart from other races. The tradition highlighted the physical demands placed on drivers and created a memorable spectacle for spectators worldwide.
Where did this tradition take place?
The sprint occurred across the Circuit de la Sarthe in France, where cars were lined up perpendicular to the track with engines off. Drivers had to navigate past their vehicles or other competitors to reach their assigned seats before ignition.
How has the race evolved since the 'Le Mans start' was removed?
While the sprint is gone, the event continues to evolve through technological advancements like the modern Hypercar class and fierce manufacturer rivalries. The focus has shifted entirely to endurance engineering and safety while maintaining its status as the world's oldest active endurance race.
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