An intense battle in Hypercar
 
Introduced in 2022, the Hypercar class has treated the 24 Hours of Le Mans crowd to some thrilling racing so far. Once again, the race is set to be a close run. Eight carmakers fielding a total of 18 prototypes are in contention for overall victory. Each team can boast experienced drivers. The line-up comprises 17 past winners in the Hypercar class alone. Every one of the nine Ferrari AF Corse drivers has already triumphed at Le Mans, among them Robert Kubica, Antonio Fuoco and Antonio Giovinazzi..
 
Maiden Le Mans for Genesis
 
This year’s newcomer is South Korean manufacturer Genesis, with the GMR-001-Hypercar. The team has enlisted the help of three-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner André Lotterer, a popular driver among endurance fans. Lotterer shares the wheel of the #17 with Luis Felipe Derani and Mathys Jaubert, while Mathieu Jaminet, Paul-Loup Chatin and Daniel Juncadella take the helm of the #19 sister car. Genesis may be new to Le Mans, but its drivers total 41 starts between them and are likely to cause a sensation!
 
Stiff competition in LMP2
 
The last time there was more than a lap between the first two LMP2 cars at the finish was in 2019! Judging by this year’s grid, that record is not about to be broken. Last year’s winners Inter Europol Competition should not be disregarded this year. However, Kévin Estre, who won Hyperpole two years ago, will be looking to drive TDS Racing to victory. Two-time Le Mans winner (2010 and 2016) Romain Dumas is back with his own team RD Limited after a three-year hiatus.
 
Well-known names
 
The line-up is full of familiar names. This year, no less than seven drivers have a father who was a Formula One driver: Kevin Magnussen (BMW M Team WRT), son of Jan, Jules Gounon (Alpine Endurance Team), son of Jean-Marc, Enzo Trulli (Algarve Pro Racing), son of Jarno, Louis Delétraz (AO by TF), son of Jean-Denis, Giuliano Alesi (Team Qatar by Iron Lynx), son of Jean, Lorenzo Patrese (Kessel Racing), son of Riccardo, and Eduardo Barrichello (Heart of Racing Team), son of Rubens. Most of the sons have already taken part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
 
25 cars in LMGT3

LMGT3 is in the limelight this year. The class is composed of an impressive 25 cars representing nine carmakers. José María López who won the 2021 24 Hours of Le Mans takes the wheel of the #87 Lexus RC F LMGT3 – Akkodis ASP Team. So far this season, three different carmakers have mounted the podium, which indicates the high level of talent in the class. Porsche has won the last two 24 Hours of Le Mans in LMGT3 but the competition remains wide open.
 
Women in the spotlight
 
This year’s driver line-up includes two women. Doriane Pin has a seat in LMP2 with Duqueine Team. The “Pocket Rocket” currently Development Driver with the Mercedes-AMG Formula One team is well-known for her speed. Lilou Wadoux will be driving the #150 Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo fielded by Richard Mille AF Corse in LMGT3. Former Iron Dames team member Sarah Bovy is the first woman to be appointed Grand Marshal of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Bovy can boast magnificent victories in ELMS and WEC races, and is widely acknowledged for her work on raising the profiles of women in motor racing.
 
See you at 4 p.m on Saturday 13 June for the Start of the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans!