Photo : Michel JAMIN / ACO

 

To give an idea of the high level of competition in the LM GTE Pro class, it suffices to note that each of the five competing cars has won at least one class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This exceptional group will also see the first appearance in La Sarthe of one of the great 2014 season innovations: the Corvette C7.R.

Corvette, the new generation – A year after its introduction in Detroit, the seventh generation of the Corvette took the track in late January at the 24 Hours of Daytona. Corvette Racing will aim to celebrate its new incarnation with a tenth class victory in its first appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A challenge worthy of this road legend and its drivers, who know it at length.

Porsche, the always formidable 911 – In 2013, the only Porsche  victory in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) was the most prestigious of all: Le Mans, to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the indestructible 911 car! Solid, reliable, perfectly driven and well-managed by Olaf Manthey, long since loyal to the brand, the two factory cars will be outstanding competitors.

Ferrari, the World Champion – Even if AF Corse had ripped the world titles from the builders' and drivers' hands in the class during the last round at Bahreïn in 2013, the 24 Hours of Le Mans remains, for Ferrari as for its adversaries, "the world championship within a world championship". Defeated in 2013, the 458 Italia car is still one of the big class favorites and intends to reaffirm its 2012 victory.

Aston Martin, always in the race – Last year, Aston Martin finished third after going all the way in the fight for victory, before a sudden strategic move by Porsche made ​​the difference during a downpour that occurred at the very end of the race. The rest of the 2013 season made Aston Martin the most successful automaker in the FIA World Championship (WEC) in all classes. It confirms, as if it were needed, the competitiveness of the Vantage.

Viper, progress to watch – At the 2013 24 Hours, the two Viper models were at the finish. A very nice way to celebrate its return to La Sarthe. This year, it will be for the SRT Motorsports to capitalize on the experience and the constant improvement in performance observed during the American Le Mans Series season, at least to make it to the podium.

Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO

The 82nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place June 14-15, 2014 (ticket information et entry list).

Photo : LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, SATURDAY JUNE 11 2013, RACE. In 2014, Porsche will be present at Le Mans officially with four cars: two hybrid LM P1 919 cars and two 911 LM GTE Pro cars (this one of Romain Dumas, Marc Lieb and Richard Lietz - victorious in the class in 2013).