The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans is Here!
The world's most famous endurance race is back, and it's sure to be another thrilling event. The 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place on June 10-11, 2023, at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France.
This year's race is the 91st running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and a century celebration of the first race taking part in 1923; it will be the fourth round of the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship. The race is expected to attract a large field of drivers and teams from around the world, and it is sure to be a close and competitive event.
Here are five things to look out for at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans:
The return of the Hypercar class: The Hypercar class is making its debut at Le Mans this year, and it is sure to be a major attraction. The Hypercar class is for the most advanced prototype race cars, and it includes some of the most iconic brands in motorsport, such as Toyota, Glickenhaus, and Alpine. But with the new class the famous prancing horse of Ferrari has taken pole for the first time at le mans in 50 years but can they hold on to the lead against Toyota?
Ferrari have taken pole at Le mans for the first time in 50 years.
Image credit: ACO
Nascar goes to Le Mans: Hendrick Motorsports will be fielding a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 in the Garage 56 class, which is reserved for innovative cars. The car will be driven by seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Jimmie Johnson, former Formula One world champion Jenson Button, and current IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship driver Mike Rockenfeller. The NASCAR team's participation in Le Mans is a major coup for the race organizers. It is a sign that NASCAR is serious about expanding its global reach, and it is sure to attract a lot of attention from fans around the world. The NASCAR team will face stiff competition from the other teams in the Garage 56 class, including a hydrogen-powered car from Toyota and an electric car from Peugeot. However, the team is confident that it has the car and the drivers to challenge for victory.
The LMP2 class: The LMP2 class is always one of the most competitive at Le Mans, and it is sure to be another hotly contested battle this year. LMP2 is for prototypes that are based on production cars, and it is a great opportunity for up-and-coming teams to compete at Le Mans. Alpine is making its return to the LMP2 class at Le Mans this year, and it will be interesting to see how the team fares. Alpine has a strong history in endurance racing, and it will be looking to challenge for victory.
Photo credit: ACO
The GTE Pro and GTE Am classes: The GTE Pro and GTE Am classes are for production-based sports cars, and they are always a popular draw at Le Mans. GTE Pro is for factory-backed teams, while GTE Am is for privateer teams.
Photo credit: ACO
The weather: The weather is always a factor at Le Mans, and it could play a big role in the outcome of the race. The race is scheduled to take place from June 10-11, and the weather forecast for that weekend is calling for rain and thunderstorms.
Photo credit: ACO
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the most prestigious and challenging races in the world, and it is sure to be an exciting event this year. Be sure to tune in to watch the race and see who comes out on top!
Here are some additional details about each of the classes:
- Hypercar: The Hypercar class is for the most advanced prototype race cars. These cars are powered by either a gasoline engine or a hybrid system. The Hypercar class is making its debut at Le Mans this year, and it is sure to be a major attraction.
- LMP2: The LMP2 class is for prototypes that are based on production cars. These cars are powered by a gasoline engine. The LMP2 class is always one of the most competitive at Le Mans, and it is sure to be another hotly contested battle this year.
- GTE Pro: The GTE Pro class is for production-based sports cars that are entered by factory-backed teams. These cars are powered by a gasoline engine. The GTE Pro class is always a popular draw at Le Mans, and it is sure to be another exciting battle this year.
- GTE Am: The GTE Am class is for production-based sports cars that are entered by privateer teams. These cars are powered by a gasoline engine. The GTE Am class is always a popular draw at Le Mans, and it is sure to be another exciting battle this year.
We hope you enjoy the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans!
Image credit: CHRIS GRAYTHEN//GETTY IMAGES