24h Le Mans
A well-earned break from driving duties today for the intrepid racers competing in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans as they head into town for the traditional Drivers’ Parade. The track will, however, be swarming with Beetles taking part in the Fun Cup race. Ofenbach will take to the concert stage to round off the day’s activities.
The Fun Cup, one of four support races to the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans, takes centre stage on this Friday morning. Just imagine 118 Beetles buzzing towards the Dunlop Chicane and then hurtling down the Mulsanne Straight. It’s a sight and sound that fans of the iconic Volkswagen will surely not want to miss! Four hours of racing await the teams and drivers. Pit stop strategy, traffic management and stint consistency will be all-important. The action begins at 09:00.
Visitors get a unique opportunity to walk on the track this afternoon from 15:00 until 20:00. A 24 Hours of Le Mans admission ticket is needed to enter the general enclosure, but the other key parts of the circuit – from Tertre Rouge to the Porsche Curves – are free and open to everyone on foot or on a bicycle, kick scooter or roller blades.
As usual, the Drivers’ Parade will be held in Le Mans city centre. The streets will be lined with fans of all ages waiting to greet the historic cars transporting the 186 drivers competing in the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. Organiser Classic Automotive, in partnership with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, promises that the parade will be more spectacular than ever. Former Le Mans driver and manufacturer Yves Courage will be guest of honour at this 28th edition. Five bands will create a carnival atmosphere and a procession of Supercars will also join the party.
Classic British Welcome is a popular get-together held every year on the eve of the big race. Over a thousand classic cars converge on the village of Saint-Saturnin, north of Le Mans, with many coming from the UK and other countries. For this 28th edition, Classic British Welcome pays tribute to Mercedes. Normandy-based former racers Jean-Luc Chéreau (nine Le Mans starts) and Pierre Yver (22 starts) will be guests of honour.
09.00–17:00, Centre culturel du Val de Vray, Saint-Saturnin – free admission
This exceptional event takes place on track at the legendary Mulsanne Corner. Alpine is this year’s star attraction with former Alpine Sport director Bernard Ollivier and the historian Jean-Luc Fournier, an expert on the brand, in attendance. Two former drivers of the famous French blue racing cars – Christian Ethuin and Alain Serpaggi – will also be present. Visitors can admire around a thousand prestigious cars and take a stroll around the exhibitors’ corner.
15:00–19:00, 2 avenue François Mitterrand, Mulsanne – free admission
DJ duo Dorian and César, better known as Ofenbach, are now the most streamed French group/duo in the world. With two Diamond, 22 Platinum and 21 Gold records to their name, the Parisian electro duo are firmly on an upward trajectory and look set for a long and prosperous career. They have been touring the globe since 2023 with a totally new and exclusive live set that has met with worldwide acclaim.
09:00–13:00: Fun Cup race
09:00–17:00: Classic British Welcome, Saint-Saturnin
15:00–19:00: Le Virage de Mulsanne
15:00–20:00: Track opened to the public
16:00–19:00: Drivers’ Parade in Le Mans city centre
20:30–00:15: MAJES and Ofenbach in concert
