The Iron Dames are now one of the discipline’s leading outfits, having won a round of the World Endurance Championship. Doriane Pin was crowned 2023 FIA WEC Revelation of the Year. In 2024, ACO has put in spotlight Christine Beckers celebrating the 50 years of the victory of this 100% female crew (with Marie Laurent and Yvette Fontaine) at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1974 in the S-2000 category.

At ACO events, the flag bearers are a mixed troupe. Of course, this commitment to parity goes beyond the racetrack. We have hosted the FIA Women in Motorsport forum alongside the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2022. The 2024 event welcomed over 100 attendees, including several female racers. The FIA unveiled its mentoring programme on this occasion, while the Au Féminin magazine invited four inspirational women from the paddock to its round-table discussion on Women in Motorsport.

In 2016, Frédéric Sausset became the first quadruple amputee to take part and finish the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Over the last year or so, Frédéric has been conducting an audit on the circuit with us to improve the experience for spectators. This is aligned with the actions and works ACO leads to ease the access to the racetrack and its infrastructures easier for people with reduced mobility. The results of this policy are visible at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Special signage has been introduced, wheelchair platforms erected and public space accessibility requirements integrated.

In 2024, a 250-strong team was deployed to welcome and inform visitors with disabilities and, when requested, accompany them to specially equipped facilities. A special route was also indicated on the “24H Experience” smartphone app.

The Critérium du Jeune Conducteur, created by the ACO in 1957, is a fun learning programme designed to teach children aged 7 to 14 the basic rules of road safety. It can be found in the Family Fan Zone during the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Another road safety awareness operation is staged in the Impact & Nous area throughout the event.

Over 3,000 volunteers help out at the 24 Hours of Le Mans every year. 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.