The tragedy that occurred at the start of the 23rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans was remembered at a memorial ceremony today, Saturday 30 May.

24H Le Mans

Le Mans Legendes

24 Heures du Mans

Historique

With the 2025 FIA World Endurance Championship on the horizon, TF Sport has unveiled the liveries of the two LMGT3-class Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs that perpetuate the legacy of an iconic lineage at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. To herald this announcement, we look in the rear-view mirror at some of the head-turning Chevrolet Corvettes to have appeared at the French endurance classic since 2000.

<p>For the 2025 season, Sean Bull Design has come up with a bright yellow livery for the two Corvettes, with notable differences in the centre of the body. The #33 Z06 GT3.R, to be shared by <strong>Jonny Edgar</strong>, <strong>Ben Keating</strong> and <strong>Dani Juncadella</strong>, will have a full yellow roof and a grey stars-and-stripes on the hood. The roof of the #81 sister car, driven by<strong> Tom Van Rompuy</strong>, <strong>Rui Andrade</strong> and <strong>Charlie Eastwood</strong>, will however be black and yellow, mirroring the US flag on the hood. The two cars will also be differentiated by the colour of the door mirrors and windscreen banner: yellow on car #33 and black on car #81.</p>

<p>After two days of testing at the Dubai Autodrome, the two cars will head to Qatar for the WEC official prologue due to be held at the Lusail International Circuit on 21-22 February.<br />
To herald the announcement of the new liveries of the TF Sport Corvettes, let&rsquo;s look back at some of the most eye-catching models to have left their mark on the French endurance classic since the turn of the century.</p>

<h2>2000: a legend in the making</h2>

<p>For its first official appearance in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Corvette Racing fielded two C5.Rs in the LMGTS class. The team compensated for its inexperience by hiring seasoned drivers such as <strong>Justin Bell</strong> and <strong>Franck Fr&eacute;on</strong>. Result: P3 in class for car #64 and P4 for car #63. A promising first step.</p>

<h2>2003: an iconic anniversary livery</h2>

<p>Corvette Racing had become part of the 24 Hours scenery as the American outfit entered the race for the fourth consecutive year. To celebrate the <strong>Corvette&rsquo;s 50th anniversary</strong>, Corvette Racing opted for a memorable blue livery for its C5.Rs. The #53 that won the 12 Hours of Sebring finished third in the LMGTS class, one place behind car #50. A successful tribute to the make&rsquo;s history.</p>

<h2>2006: a former skiing champion at the wheel</h2>

<p>Alongside the two C6.Rs entered by Corvette Racing, the team of former skiing champion <strong>Luc Alphand</strong> (three-time World Cup downhill winner) bought the car that won the GT1 class in 2004. Alphand shared the wheel of the striking blue and yellow C5-R with fellow Frenchmen <strong>Patrice Goueslard</strong> and <strong>J&eacute;r&ocirc;me Policand</strong>. While the US team&rsquo;s #64 car finished 4th overall, winning the LMGT1 class, the #72 put in a solid performance to clinch P7 and take the third spot on the class podium.</p>

<h2>2010: a C6 ZR1 with an electrifying design</h2>

<p>With their yellow livery trimmed in black with dynamic grey motifs, the LM GT2-class Corvette C6 ZR1s certainly turned a few heads. The two cars&rsquo; entry coincided with the <strong>50th anniversary of Corvette&rsquo;s d&eacute;but in La Sarthe</strong>. Unfortunately, the race proved to be a disappointment as the engine failed on both machines.</p>

<h2>2013: celebrating 60 years of Corvette</h2>

<p>Pending the introduction of the new C7.R, Corvette Racing returned to Le Mans with two C6 ZR1s. The cars sported a livery that hailed the <strong>60th anniversary of Corvette</strong>. Car #73 finished the race in P4 in the LMGTE Pro class and car #74 P7.</p>

<h2>2017: a Corvette C7.R Art Car</h2>

<p>In 2017, the #50 Chevrolet Corvette C7.R entered by Larbre Comp&eacute;tition in the LMGTE Am class became the latest in the line of Art Cars to grace the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The creator, <strong>Ramzi Adek</strong>, brought a different vision of these works of art in motion that had long been designed by leading figures in contemporary art. <em><strong>&ldquo;I wanted to design a popular Art Car &ndash; one that reached out to people who don&rsquo;t necessarily visit art galleries. My inspiration comes as much from Matisse as from comic book culture,&rdquo;</strong></em> he explained when presenting the project.<br />
The Corvette featured a fluorescent paint scheme that came into its own at nightfall, transmitting renewed energy to the car&rsquo;s drivers <strong>Fernando Rees</strong>, <strong>Romain Brandela</strong> and <strong>Christian Philippon</strong>. After 24 hours of racing, the car crossed the finish line in 48th place overall and 15th in the LMGTE Am class.</p>

<h2>2019: a patriotic celebration</h2>

<p>To celebrate 20 years of racing at Le Mans, Corvette Racing draped its C7.Rs with the emblematic American flag. While car #63 finished P8 in the LMGTE Pro class, the #64 sister car was forced to retire after a collision. A race that confirmed the public&rsquo;s passion for Corvette.</p>

<h2>2021: the revolutionary C8.R</h2>

<p>The Chevrolet Corvette C8.R that superseded the glorious C7.R represented <strong>a true change of era and design </strong>as the C8.R was powered by a rear mid-engine unlike the previous models that had a front engine. The #64 C8.R sported a new silver livery inspired by famous Corvettes of bygone days such as the 1973 Chevrolet Aerovette and the 1959 Corvette Stingray Racer. Meanwhile, the yellow hues of the #63 sister car were more in keeping with Corvette tradition, the hints of silver a nod to the glittering success of the GTLMs over the past two decades. Car #63 ranked 2 in the LMGTE Pro class and car #64 P6.</p>

<h2>2024: the first Corvette Z06 GT3.R</h2>

<p>As LMGTE gave way to LMGT3 regulations, Corvette joined forces with British outfit TF Sport to enter two new Chevrolet Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. The new Corvette Z06 GT3.R represents <strong>Chevrolet Corvette&rsquo;s endurance future</strong>. A car built on the foundations of the <strong>125 wins earned by Corvette Racing in the discipline over the last quarter of a century</strong>. The two cars were decorated in distinct liveries with variations of black, grey and yellow. Car #81 boasted a yellow front end with black sides, while the same colours were reversed on car #82. Both chassis featured the American flag on the hood. Car #82 finished in 11th place in the LMGT3 rankings with car #81 in 15th.</p>

<p>In 2025, TF Sport will continue the tradition by running two Corvette Z06 GT3.Rs against a high-quality LMGT3 field. The British team will take on&nbsp;<strong>Aston Martin</strong>, <strong>BMW</strong>, <strong>Ferrari</strong>, <strong>Ford</strong>, <strong>Lexus</strong>, <strong>Mercedes-AMG</strong>, <strong>McLaren</strong> and&nbsp;<strong>Porsche</strong>.</p>

Eye-catching Chevrolet Corvettes appearing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2000

Le Mans Classic, returns from July 3 to 6, 2025 with an exceptional musical program! In addition to the legendary races and unique retro atmosphere, spectators will have the pleasure of enjoying open-air concerts on the circuit's main stage. Eight artists will set the Friday and Saturday evenings alight. With rock, pop and electro sounds, the program promises an unforgettable experience.

<h2>FRIDAY JULY 4</h2>

<p>As soon as night falls, the Mans Classic stage will welcome four renowned artists for a memorable evening. Headlining, <strong>KAVINSKY</strong>, a true icon of the electro scene, promises a spectacular show. He will be preceded by <strong>ISAAC DELUSION</strong>, <strong>MARINA TRENCH</strong> and <strong>NATHALIE DUCHENE</strong>, who will deliver captivating and energetic performances to kick off the weekend in style.</p>

<h2>SATURDAY, JULY 5</h2>

<p>The show continues on Saturday evening, with four new concerts featuring some of the hottest names on the electro-pop scene. The highlight of the evening will undoubtedly be a performance by <strong>CERRONE</strong>, whose iconic hits have marked generations. He will share the stage with <strong>SYNAPSON</strong>, <strong>MONA BONE</strong> and <strong>HERVE</strong> for a festive evening.</p>

<h3><u>PRACTICAL INFORMATION</u></h3>

<p>Dates: July 3 to 6, 2025<br />
Location: 24 Hours of Le Mans Circuit<br />
Tickets and detailed program on <strong><a href="https://www.lemansclassic.com/en/ticketing/" target="_blank"><u>www.lemansclassic.com</u></a></strong></p>

Le Mans Classic 2025 : an electrifying music scene July 4-5

Ford attempted a return to former glory in the 1980s at the 24 Hours of Le Mans by fielding the C100. Though its foray into competition was troubled and brief, the car demonstrated the level of the American marque's ambitions against Porsche, Lancia and Rondeau.

<p>After the GT40&#39;s success in the&nbsp;1960s, Ford hoped to become a top endurance racing contender once again, this time under the Group C regulations implemented in 1982. These new rules encouraged fuel and&nbsp;aerodynamic efficiency&nbsp;without sacrificing&nbsp;performance. The&nbsp;Ford C100 was the American carmarker&#39;s resonse to the challenge.</p>

<p>The car&nbsp;was technologically advanced&nbsp;for its time with&nbsp;a lightweight aluminum monocoque chassis to optimise rigidity while reducing weight, a 3.9-litre&nbsp;Ford Cosworth V8 engine for power and reliability, and a body that incorporated innovative solutions to maximise aerodynamic efficiency and guarantee respectable&nbsp;top speed in the Mulsanne Straight. However, due to its rushed development, the car&#39;s overall potential was noticeably hindered by&nbsp;reliability problems.</p>

<h2>At the Start of the 1982 24 Hours of Le Mans</h2>

<p>Two&nbsp;Ford C100s took their rookie start in the&nbsp;24 Hours of Le&nbsp;Mans in&nbsp;1982, supported by German team&nbsp;Zakspeed. It was a crucial test for the car and for&nbsp;Ford&nbsp;seeking to recreate the exploits of the&nbsp;GT40. But, results were disappointing: the cars didn&#39;t even make it to the chequered flag after suffering mechanical failures. The frustrating&nbsp;performance highlighted the need for further development, which Ford was not prepared to pursue long-term.</p>

<p>Faced with mixed results and high costs, Ford quickly abandoned the C100 programme. The marque&nbsp;chose instead to refocus on other disciplines such as rally&nbsp;where it had enjoyed greater success with models such as the Ford Escort RS.</p>

<h2>A Collector Favourite</h2>

<p>Despite its less than stellar track record in&nbsp;competition, the&nbsp;Ford C100 remains&nbsp;emblematic to&nbsp;endurance racing enthusiasts and those nostalgic for Group C. It represents Ford&#39;s bold attempt&nbsp;to take on such titans as&nbsp;Porsche and its&nbsp;956. Today, available C100s are prized by collectors and fans of motorsport history.</p>

<p>Ultimately, the Ford C100 is a symbol of an era when&nbsp;innovation and ambition were the driving forces behind endurance racing, even if the results fell short of expectations..</p>

<p>The American carmarker is gearing up to write a new chapter in its racing history by&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ford-in-the-top-class-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-in-2027-59293" target="_blank">competing in the&nbsp;Hypercar class</a></strong>&nbsp;starting in 2027.</p>

When Ford sought to reconquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the C100

Global automotive icon Ford made its mark on the 24 Hours of Le Mans through innovation, audacity and unforgettable triumphs. Here is a brief look at a saga built on passion and the spirit of competition.

<p>Though Ford was on the scene in&nbsp;the first years of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it&nbsp;was only indirectly involved in the race. Charles Montier, a French car dealer nicknamed &quot;The Wizard,&quot;&nbsp;fielded&nbsp;modified&nbsp;Ford Ts called&nbsp;Montier Specials, but they didn&#39;t exactly make a splash.&nbsp;In 1937, a Ford TEN GB made its debut under the British flag&nbsp;with Australian driver Joan Richmond at the wheel,&nbsp;finishing&nbsp;14th&nbsp;overall..</p>

<p>After World War II,&nbsp;the American marque functioned&nbsp;primarily as an engine supplier, but the success of General Motors&#39;&nbsp;Corvette compelled&nbsp;Henry Ford II to go on the&nbsp;offensive. Carroll Shelby, a former driver turned car developer, played a critical&nbsp;role in the effort. In 1963, two&nbsp;AC Cobras powered by Ford V8s took the start in the 24 Hours but were easily dominated by&nbsp;Ferrari who finished in&nbsp;the top six spots.</p>

<h2>The Birth of the GT40 in 1964</h2>

<p>Ford invested heavily to compete with Ferrari, buying Lola and hiring British engineer John Wyer. Enter the&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-centenary-the-american-benchmark-ford-gt40-57263" target="_blank">Ford GT40</a></strong>&nbsp;in 1964 at&nbsp;an intimidating height of&nbsp;40.5 inches. Despite gearbox problems in 1964 and 1965, the Shelby-led program progressed with a 7-litre engine&nbsp;in the Ford MKII..</p>

<p>The time for revenge finally arrived&nbsp;in 1966. Ferrari failed to&nbsp;find its rhythm, paving the way for&nbsp;Ford&#39;s&nbsp;three&nbsp;MKIIs to conquer the podium. The finish was a stunner: McLaren and&nbsp;Amon in the #2&nbsp;Ford winning on the back of a&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/le-mans-66-what-really-happened-55729" target="_blank">controversial&nbsp;end-of-race strategy</a></strong>&nbsp;with only 20 metres separating it from the #1.</p>

<p>Despite the American constructor officially withdrawing in 1968, the&nbsp;Ford GT40 enjoyed continued success thanks to John Wyer. That year, the duo Rodr&iacute;guez-Bianchi won the carmaker a third victory. In 1969, <strong><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-of-le-mans-six-things-you-need-to-know-about-jacky-ickx-54520" target="_blank">Jacky Ickx made&nbsp;history by winning after a walking start</a></strong>, refusing to run to his car. It remains to this day one of the most iconic performances in the history of the race.</p>

<h2>A Class Win 50 years Later</h2>

<p>In celebration of the&nbsp;50th&nbsp;anniversary of its legendary 1966 victory, Ford made its big&nbsp;return to the 24 Hours in 2016 with the new Ford GT. Entered in the&nbsp;LMGTE Pro class, the&nbsp;#68 shared by&nbsp;Joey Hand, Dirk M&uuml;ller and&nbsp;S&eacute;bastien Bourdais clinched a decisive win, a fitting hommage to the&nbsp;marque&#39;s history, demonstrating its capacity to innovate and surmount modern endurance racing challenges.</p>

<p>Ford, through&nbsp;determination and ability, redefined&nbsp;standards at Le&nbsp;Mans. The legacy&nbsp;of the&nbsp;GT40 and its undeniable success&nbsp;continue to inspire&nbsp;generations of&nbsp;drivers, and&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/ford-in-the-top-class-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-in-2027-59293" target="_blank">the American manufacturer will make its highly anticipated return to the race in the&nbsp;Hypercar class&nbsp;in 2027</a></strong>. Could a new duel with Ferrari 60 years later be on the programme?</p>

Ford's legendary legacy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

<p style="text-align: justify;">
	A wreath was laid in the Pits Straight, where the crash occurred, by Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l&#39;Ouest (ACO), Corinne Orzechowsky, Prefect of the Sarthe department, and Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric L&eacute;nart and Fabrice Bourrigaud, General Manager of the ACO and Manager of the Spirit of Le Mans respectively.&nbsp;</p>


24H LE MANS

In memory of 11 June 1955

Related News

Eye-catching Chevrolet Corvettes appearing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2000

Le Mans Classic 2025 : an electrifying music scene July 4-5

When Ford sought to reconquer the 24 Hours of Le Mans with the C100

Ford's legendary legacy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Major Partner

PREMIUM partners

OFFICIAL partners