There are not many sporting events where women and men compete on equal footing. Since 1923, 64 women of 15 nationalities have started the 24 Hours of Le Mans, including 26 all-female line-ups. Odette Siko and Marguerite Mareuse were the pioneers when they took to the grid in 1930. In 2021, for the first time, the World Endurance Championship welcomed two all-women line-ups. There were two mixed driver crews and one all-female line-up on the grid of the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. Young French driver Lilou Wadoux sharing the wheel with two men: eight-time World Rally Drivers’ champion Sébastien Ogier and Charles Milesi. At ACO events, the flag bearers are a mixed troupe.

Of course, this commitment to parity goes beyond the racetrack. The ACO has signed a corporate agreement to promote gender equality in the workplace. Its index in 2020 was 99/100. This year we hosted the FIA Women in Motorsport forum.

Since 2018, the Le Mans 24 Hours motorcycle race has played host to the Cœur De Pilote association. Founded in 2016, Cœur De Pilote’s patron is SERT Team Manager, Damien Saulnier. It invites children with serious diseases to enjoy some amazing experiences, such as a ride around the track, a day behind the scenes with a team, and so on.

Frédéric Sausset. In 2016, he became the first quadruple amputee to take part and finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2021, he returned as Manager of a team comprising two drivers with disabilities. Sausset and the ACO have also set up a partnership within the scope of the “Critérium du Jeune Conducteur” initiative to promote access to road safety training for youngsters with disabilities. A car has been specially designed for children with mobility disabilities.

Since 2017 the disability cause has also been taken up on two wheels with the International Bridgestone Handy Race. This competition is reserved for riders with disabilities and will be held as a curtain-raiser to the 24H Motos in 2021.

Spectators have not been forgotten either. Since 2010, the ACO has been active in making access to the racetrack and its infrastructures easier for people with reduced mobility. We shall continue striving to give visitors with disabilities the best possible race experience.

The 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans was made possible thanks to the 3,200 volunteers present. Track marshals, medical staff and car park attendants, to name but a few of the roles, are all hugely appreciated. They receive due acknowledgement of their work by way of a volunteer pack, and we are particularly attentive to their requirements. This year, local company Bordeau Chesnel organised a special “thank you” campaign for the event volunteers.