24h Le 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.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans provides an arena where the world’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 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 – turbo and hybrid engines, LED and laser headlights and, in the near future, hydrogen – are put through their paces. The race is therefore much more than a sporting challenge: every lap is a chance to explore innovations that will shape the automotive landscape.
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 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.
Beyond the individual challenges, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is all about working together. Drivers, engineers, mechanics and strategists join forces in pursuit of victory at one of the world’s most gruelling races. It is a shared quest, where team spirit is key to getting the car to the finish line. Each victory is powered by a combination of human effort and technological innovation. 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.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is not just a sports event; it is also a significant force for the economy and cultural scene in the Pays-de-la-Loire region Every year, the race draws hundreds of thousands of visitors from the world over. These fans not only raise the city'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 international appeal bridging borders and cultures. Another worthy achievement – the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans was recently voted France’s Favourite Monument!
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 – innovation, human endeavour, team spirit and tolerance – are more relevant than ever, indicating that the race’s future will be as magnificent as its storied past.
Since 1906, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO), organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, has demonstrated 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 overcome the impossible. 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.
Ticket sales for the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans 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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