The lowdown on the Hypercar class at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans
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The lowdown on the Hypercar class at the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans

Hypercar is the top class with the fastest cars at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans. Find out all you need to know to keep track of them as they clock up the laps!

1. Hypercar: definition

A Hypercar will win the Centenary race. But will it be a Toyota, Ferrari, Cadillac, Porsche, Peugeot, Glickenhaus or Vanwall? Its race number will be shown in white on a red background. But how do you pick out a particular hypercar from the rest of the field? Check our guide!

>> How do you recognise a Hypercar? <<

2. What if the Hypercars could take to our roads?

Competitors in the headline Hypercar class compete for the overall win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Sixteen Hypercars fielded by seven manufacturers this year are gearing up to hit the track But can Hypercars drive on the public roads like you and me?

>> Can a hypercar drive on the road? <<

3. Hypercars at over 330 kph on the Mulsanne Straight!

Speed is paramount at Le Mans. The famous Mulsanne Straight has been challenging drivers since 1923. But just how fast are the cars in this year’s top class?

>> How fast are Hypercars? <<

  • The GR010 Hybrid, the first hybrid Hypercar to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, present since 2021
  • The distinctive silhouette of the Peugeot 9X8 stands out on the grid
  • 50 years after its last bid for overall victory, Ferrari is back in the top class
  • Cadillac Racing returns to Le Mans with the only naturally-aspirated Hypercar
  • Le Mans, the perfect arena to celebrate Porsche's 75th anniversary
  • The Vanwall Vanderwell 680 comes in a road-going version... with over 1000 hp!
  • Glickenhaus, a loyal contender in Hypercar since its maiden race in 2021!
  • The GR010 Hybrid, the first hybrid Hypercar to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, present since 2021
  • The distinctive silhouette of the Peugeot 9X8 stands out on the grid
  • 50 years after its last bid for overall victory, Ferrari is back in the top class
  • Cadillac Racing returns to Le Mans with the only naturally-aspirated Hypercar
  • Le Mans, the perfect arena to celebrate Porsche's 75th anniversary
  • The Vanwall Vanderwell 680 comes in a road-going version... with over 1000 hp!
  • Glickenhaus, a loyal contender in Hypercar since its maiden race in 2021!
  • The GR010 Hybrid, the first hybrid Hypercar to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, present since 2021
  • The distinctive silhouette of the Peugeot 9X8 stands out on the grid
  • 50 years after its last bid for overall victory, Ferrari is back in the top class
  • Cadillac Racing returns to Le Mans with the only naturally-aspirated Hypercar
  • Le Mans, the perfect arena to celebrate Porsche's 75th anniversary
  • The Vanwall Vanderwell 680 comes in a road-going version... with over 1000 hp!
  • Glickenhaus, a loyal contender in Hypercar since its maiden race in 2021!
PHOTO 1/7
The GR010 Hybrid, the first hybrid Hypercar to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, present since 2021

4. The Hypercar class and its headliners

The stakes are high for drivers in the Hypercar class this year, whether they have an outside chance or feature among the favourites. Some are here to shine in a new discipline while others have a reputation to defend. And some are chasing a crown that has so far escaped them. Here’s what they have to say.

>> Trackside with the stars of Hypercar <<

5. The rules for driving a Hypercar

The Hypercar class is for cars capable of going after the overall win, driven by either experienced drivers or those on the rise but with already well-established talent. They all want the same thing: to claim the top step on the overall podium on Sunday 11 June.

>> Only exceptional drivers take the wheel of a Hypercar <<

6. 38, 708, 75... the meaning behind the Hypercar race numbers

At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, as in other motorsport events, racecar numbers may have special meaning. Some teams happily go along with whatever number is allotted to them, while others request a specific number out of superstition, tradition or evocation. Most Hypercar team racecar numbers were carefully chosen. So, what do they mean?

>> What do Hypercar race numbers mean? <<

 

  • Peugeot is back at Le Mans with a former winner in its ranks, Loïc Duval
  • Brendon Hartley, three-time Le Mans winner, gets ready to take over driving duties in the GR010 Hybrid
  • Antonio Giovinazzi has joined endurance after three seasons in Formula 1
  • Peugeot is back at Le Mans with a former winner in its ranks, Loïc Duval
  • Brendon Hartley, three-time Le Mans winner, gets ready to take over driving duties in the GR010 Hybrid
  • Antonio Giovinazzi has joined endurance after three seasons in Formula 1
  • Peugeot is back at Le Mans with a former winner in its ranks, Loïc Duval
  • Brendon Hartley, three-time Le Mans winner, gets ready to take over driving duties in the GR010 Hybrid
  • Antonio Giovinazzi has joined endurance after three seasons in Formula 1
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Peugeot is back at Le Mans with a former winner in its ranks, Loïc Duval

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