The Ligier JS P2 is still going strong but French constructor Onroak Automotive is due to unveil its follow-up, the Ligier JS P217, in Belgium in two weeks’ time.

24H Le Mans

24 Heures du Mans

Le Mans, Ignite your Senses | The 24 Hours of the Le Mans illustrates a spirit of innovation combined with human perseverance, grounded in universal values that transcend time. Since the event was founded in 1923, it has pushed back the limits in terms of technology, performance and personal achievement. A race with a real sense of purpose.

<h2>A testing ground for technology</h2>

The 24 Hours of Le Mans provides an arena where the world&rsquo;s biggest car makers can put their latest innovations to the test. The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans is the ultimate laboratory for automotive technology. It was here that fog lamps, front-wheel drive, radial tyres and disc brakes were first trialled before they became standard features on our everyday vehicles. Each car that lines up at the race is&nbsp;a blueprint for the next wave of vehicle technology. The boundaries of mechanics and engineering are constantly challenged and redefined. The future of the car industry unfolds at Le Mans, where groundbreaking technologies &ndash; turbo and hybrid engines, LED and laser headlights and, in the near future, hydrogen &ndash; are put through their paces. The race is therefore much more than a sporting challenge:&nbsp;every lap is a chance to explore innovations that will shape the automotive landscape.

<h2>A test of human endurance and personal achievement</h2>

The race is the supreme test, not only for technology, but also for the people involved. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the drivers are&nbsp;pushed to the limits of their physical endurance and mental resilience. Although they share the wheel with their teammates, driving flat out for hours on end demands extraordinary levels of concentration and stamina. With the lack of sleep, relentless pressure and requirement to sustain peak performance around the clock, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a remarkable test of human capability, unlike any other event in motorsport.

<h2>Team spirit and a SHARED passion</h2>

Beyond the individual challenges, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is all about&nbsp;working together. Drivers, engineers, mechanics and strategists join forces in pursuit of victory at one of the world&rsquo;s most gruelling races. It is a shared quest, where team spirit is key to getting the car to the finish line.&nbsp;Each victory is powered by a combination of human effort and technological innovation.&nbsp;Collaboration and mutual support pave the way to success. And these values go well beyond the race itself. They are embraced by everyone involved, from the teams to the fans.

<h2>A global event with local roots</h2>

The 24 Hours of Le Mans is not just a sports event; it is also&nbsp;a significant force for the economy and cultural scene in the Pays-de-la-Loire region&nbsp;Every year, the race draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from the world over. These fans not only raise the city&#39;s global standing but also boost the local economy. A multitude of businesses, from hotels and restaurants to retailers and transport companies benefit from the crowds who flock to the Le Mans for the illustrious race. The impact on the economy and tourism makes the race a cornerstone of life in Le Mans, and the local community takes great pride in hosting an event that enjoys&nbsp;international appeal bridging borders and cultures.&nbsp;Another worthy achievement &ndash; the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans was recently voted France&rsquo;s Favourite Monument!

<h2>A century of prestige</h2>

The 24 Hours of Le Mans celebrated its centenary in fitting style in 2023, having navigated the years without losing any of its prestige. It continues to fascinate, innovate and inspire. More than a race, it is an annual gathering embodying passion, progress and pure grit. The founding values of the 24 Hours of Le Mans &ndash; innovation, human endeavour, team spirit and tolerance &ndash; are more relevant than ever, indicating that the race&rsquo;s future will be as magnificent as its storied past.

24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary - Best Of

La vidéo Best Of du Centenaire des 24 Heures du Mans

<h2>Committed to a responsible future</h2>

Since 1906, the Automobile Club de l&#39;Ouest (ACO), organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has demonstrated&nbsp;an unwavering commitment to innovation and community spirit. True to these values, in 2021 the ACO marked out three priorities with an eye to sustainable development and to guide its future.

First, the ACO has taken a proactive approach to address climate change, adapting the way it works to reduce its carbon footprint. Second, it strives to operate in a sustainable and responsible manner, setting the standard for others in the world of motor racing.

Third, the ACO aims to foster a fairer, more inclusive, responsible and caring society, applying these principles to everything it does. With the ambitious goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2030, the ACO is clearly focused on shaping the future of motorsport while upholding its founding values.

In every sense, the 24 Hours is more than just a motor race. It captures the spirit of human endeavour, where technology is matched by physical and mental performance. It is a reminder that every innovation, every achievement is fuelled by the desire to&nbsp;overcome the impossible.&nbsp;The race is an immersive experience, engaging all five senses, but more than anything, the 24 Hours of Le Mansis is driven by a sense of purpose.

<a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/the-24-hours-of-le-mans-ticket-office-opens-on-wednesday-13-november-59028" target="_blank">Ticket sales for the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans</a>&nbsp;will go on sale to the public on Wednesday 13 November. ACO Members benefit from an earlier presale period from Wednesday 6 November.

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Why the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes sense

Calling all classic car lovers and motor racing fans – save the date! Tickets for the 12th Le Mans Classic (3–6 July 2025) will go on sale on 27 November at at 10:00 a.m. Delve deep into the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans at this not-to-be-missed event!

After a record-breaking 2023 edition that attracted almost 235,000 people, Le Mans Classic once again promises a breathtaking show. While over 700 historical racing cars&nbsp;will take up the challenge on the track, almost 8,000 collector vehicles will be exhibited around the circuit. A wonderful opportunity for enthusiasts of motor cars from bygone days to revive precious memories.

A wide range of flexible ticket options is available to meet every type of demand. With a general admission ticket, you can access all public areas around the track and in the race village, enter Club facilities and attend all entertainment and activities. For a more immersive experience, treat yourself to one of the packages combining grandstand and paddock access. And for those who want to live Le Mans Classic to the max, campgrounds for tents, caravans and motorhomes will also be available.

To enjoy this great motorsport extravaganza with a classic flavour, be ready&nbsp;to book your tickets from 27 November&nbsp;at 10:00 a.m.&nbsp;Don&#39;t miss out!

<a href="https://aco.activetrail.biz/LMC-alerte-ouvertureFR?utm_source=lemansclassic&amp;utm_medium=communique" target="_blank">&gt;&gt;&gt; Official 2025 Le Mans Classic ticketing website&nbsp;&lt;&lt;&lt;</a>

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2025 Le Mans Classic: Tickets on sale from 27 November

The 2024 FIA World Endurance Championship draws to a close with the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain in Sakhir on Saturday 2 November. Here’s all you need to know ahead of what promises to be a thrilling finale.

<h2>a unique dEsert CHALLENGE</h2>

With its demanding racetrack and extreme conditions, the Bahrain International Circuit in Sakhir has a reputation for conjuring up some memorable battles. Brake wear is probably more an issue here than anywhere else and the four long straights put a lot of strain on the engines. The high atmospheric pressure and low humidity add extra stress. Drivers frequently drop to first gear to accelerate out of the track&rsquo;s sharp turns with constant gear shifting a major factor in this race. 
With intense heat, sand and rapid tyre damage added to the mix, the desert circuit calls for unwavering concentration and total commitment from drivers and pit crews. It is the ideal venue to crown the champions following an action-packed season.

<h2>A three-way fight for the Hypercar title</h2>

The tussle for the FIA Hypercar World Endurance Manufacturers&rsquo; Championship promises to be fierce.&nbsp;Porsche currently leads the way with a ten-point advantage over Toyota, and Ferrari a further 17 points behind. Everything is still to play for in this final round. 
Andr&eacute; Lotterer, K&eacute;vin Estre and Laurens Vanthoor (#6 Porsche) are ideally placed to pick up the drivers&rsquo; title. However, the #50 Ferrari line-up and the duo formed by Kamui Kobayashi/Nyck de Vries (#7 Toyota) won&rsquo;t rest while there is still a mathematical chance.&nbsp;A faultless race will be crucial&nbsp;in determining who will be crowned. 
In LMGT3, however, Manthey PureRxcing wrapped up the title at the 6 Hours of Fuji.

<h2>BMW M Team WRT and Alpine Endurance Team looking to finish in style</h2>

The #15 BMW M Hybrid V8 entered by BMW M Team WRT and the #36 Alpine A424 of Alpine Endurance Team sealed a sparkling race in Japan with a podium position. They will undoubtedly be looking to conclude their inaugural Hypercar season on a positive note. It will be a particularly special occasion for Alpine as Nicolas Lapierre will be making his d&eacute;but in his new role as the team&rsquo;s Sporting Director.

<h2>Rookie&nbsp;Tests &ndash;&nbsp;a golden opportunity for budding talent</h2>

The traditional season-end tests for newcomers will be held on Sunday 3 November &ndash; the day after the race.&nbsp;The official tests are crucial for talented youngsters to show off their potential to team bosses. Several renowned drivers, such as Robert Shwartzman and Norman Nato, launched their Hypercar career at the Rookie Tests.

This year&rsquo;s batch of rookies include Reshad de Gerus who will drive the Championship-winning Hypercar, while Gillian Henrion will take the wheel of the Manthey PureRxcing Porsche 911 GT3 R. Cl&eacute;ment Novalak&nbsp;and Th&eacute;o Pourchaire&nbsp;will have the opportunity to get a feel for the Peugeot 9X8 of Team Peugeot TotalEnergies, with experienced drivers such as Paul di Resta and Malthe Jakobsen on hand to offer advice. 
Alpine, meanwhile, has selected Formula Two driver&nbsp;Victor Martins, a member of the Alpine Academy, for these tests.

Check out the provisional entry list for the Bapco Energies 8 Hours of Bahrain&nbsp;<a href="https://storage.googleapis.com/fiawec-prod/assets/ressources/2024/Bahrain/2024_FIA_WEC_Bahrain_Provisional%20Entry%20List_v1.pdf" target="_blank">HERE</a>.

FIA WEC – all you need to know about the season finale in Bahrain

Porsche Penske Motorsport is changing its factory driver squad for the new season with only two drivers per car competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The 2024 FIA WEC season still has one round to run but Porsche is already preparing the ground for 2025 by introducing changes to the Porsche Penske Motorsport driver line-ups. Julien Andlauer&nbsp;has been promoted to the works driver ranks for next year.&nbsp;Andr&eacute; Lotterer, three-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and Dane Cameron, four-time IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship title holder, will leave the 963 programme at the end of the year. Meanwhile, Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Makowiecki&nbsp;and Porsche Motorsport have agreed to end their 11-year collaboration.

Andlauer will team up with Michael Christensen&nbsp;at the wheel of the #5 Porsche 963 for the 2025 FIA WEC. The sister car will be driven by Laurens Vanthoor&nbsp;and K&eacute;vin Estre. Porsche Penske Motorsport will call up a third driver for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Mathieu Jaminet&nbsp;will join up with Andlauer and Christensen, while Matt Campbell will be in the #6 car. These drivers will also compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship.

&ldquo;I&rsquo;d like to thank Dane Cameron, Andr&eacute; Lotterer and Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Makowiecki for their incredible work over the past few years. All three have played a significant role in us being able to celebrate great successes with the Porsche 963 on both sides of the Atlantic &ndash; in just the second year of competition,&rdquo; said Porsche Motorsport Vice President Thomas Laudenbach.&nbsp;&ldquo;We compete in 2025 with a changed lineup.&nbsp;Our squad continues to be among the top echelons of endurance racing internationally. Plus, we&rsquo;re remaining dedicated to our very successful initiative by supporting another former Porsche Junior to climb to the top of the career ladder. Over the past few seasons, Julien Andlauer has impressed us at the wheel of every Porsche racing car from Weissach. He absolutely deserves this promotion into the works driver squad.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We put much thought into our squad for next season&rsquo;s international racing campaign. With the new lineup, I believe we&rsquo;ve put together a winning combination for 2025,&quot; explained&nbsp;Urs Kuratle, Director Factory Motorsport LMDh.&nbsp;&ldquo;We&rsquo;ll have two very experienced drivers in both series, plus two drivers in sister cars, all of whom have come up through the ranks of Porsche&rsquo;s junior programme and completely won us over as talented youngsters.&nbsp; I&rsquo;d also like to thank Dane Cameron, Andr&eacute; Lotterer and Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Makowiecki.&nbsp; All three have contributed to getting the Porsche Penske Motorsport campaign to where it now stands in global endurance racing: at the top.&rdquo;

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Porsche reshuffles lineups for 2025

Onroak&rsquo;s new car, the Ligier JS P217 is set to be presented at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit on 23 September. The Le Mans-based constructor&rsquo;s new version of its flagship LM P2 car is eagerly awaited. It will be one of four cars authorised to compete in LM P2 next season. The FIA, the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest and IMSA have selected four constructors.&nbsp;

&ldquo;The whole company has worked hard on this car over the past year and we are looking forward to presenting the all-new Ligier JS P217. We&rsquo;re rather proud of it&rdquo;, says Jacques Nicolet, CEO of Onroak Automotive.

&quot;Designing a new car is never an easy ride. It always throws up lots of questions and between the first sketches and the first laps, plenty of important choices are made. We have plenty of experience in making sports prototypes, in particular for the LM P2 class, and we work closely with our technical partners and our clients to produce the best possible result.&rdquo;

The first Ligier JS P217 is currently being assembled and it will undergo its first track tests before the presentation at Spa, in two weeks&rsquo; time. 2017 is not far off and the unveiling of a new car will be a glimpse of the shape of next season.

Quotes courtesy of press release

Photo: The Ligier JS P2 isn&#39;t on its last legs. It is still running in the World Endurance Championship and the European Le Mans Series this season.&nbsp;

24H LE MANS

The Ligier JS P217 to be unveiled at Spa-Francorchamps in two weeks’ time

Related News

Why the 24 Hours of Le Mans makes sense

2025 Le Mans Classic: Tickets on sale from 27 November

FIA WEC – all you need to know about the season finale in Bahrain

Porsche reshuffles lineups for 2025

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