WEC - 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans represents the premier endurance race in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). This legendary event takes place at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, where teams compete to cover the greatest distance over 24 hours of continuous racing. The 2026 edition marks the 94th running of this historic motorsport competition.

About the Circuit de la Sarthe

The Circuit de la Sarthe combines permanent racing track with public roads that close temporarily for the race. The circuit measures 13.626 kilometers (8.467 miles) in length and features 38 turns. Drivers face various challenges, from technical corners to the famous Mulsanne Straight, the longest straight section on the circuit.

The track demands significant performance from both car and driver. Competitors spend approximately 85% of each lap at full throttle, which places considerable stress on engines and drivetrains. Drivers must apply brakes at 11 of the 21 main corners, with Hypercar competitors using brakes for an average of 43.5 seconds per lap.

Racing Classes and Competition Format

The 24 Hours of Le Mans features three main classes: Hypercars, LMP2, and LMGT3. The 2026 race expects a record field of 20 Hypercars with 14 different manufacturers represented across all classes. This diverse entry list includes Genesis, which plans to enter two Genesis GMR-001 cars in the Hypercar class, marking the first Korean manufacturer to compete in this category.

Each team fields multiple drivers who rotate throughout the 24-hour duration. Regulations limit individual drivers to a maximum of 14 hours behind the wheel. The race begins with a rolling start, and the winning team is determined by the greatest distance covered during the race period.

Technical Regulations in WEC

The race tests the ability of manufacturers to build reliable, efficient race cars. Since 2012, the Hypercar class operates under two technical formulas: LMH (Le Mans Hypercar) with proprietary chassis and engines, and LMDh (Le Mans Daytona hybrid) featuring standardized chassis with common hybrid systems.

All competing cars undergo thorough technical checks before the race. Officials inspect weight, dimensions, undercarriage specifications, and safety equipment to ensure compliance with WEC regulations. These technical requirements promote innovation in fuel efficiency and aerodynamics while maintaining competitive balance.

Event Organization and Entry

The Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) organizes the 24 Hours of Le Mans as a cornerstone event of the WEC calendar. Automatic entries are awarded to championship winners from several series, including the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS), and GT World Challenge Europe (GTWCE).

The race has evolved considerably since its first running in 1923. The traditional "Le Mans start," where drivers ran to their cars, was discontinued for safety reasons and replaced with the current rolling start format. The circuit itself has undergone extensive modifications over the decades to improve safety standards.

What Makes Le Mans Special

The 24 Hours of Le Mans stands as one component of the Triple Crown of Motorsport, alongside the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. The race attracts hundreds of thousands of spectators each year. The Musée des 24 Heures du Mans, located at the main entrance, preserves the rich history of this competition.

Notable records include Tom Kristensen's nine victories, the most by any driver, and Porsche's 19 manufacturer wins. The fastest speed ever recorded on the Mulsanne Straight before chicanes were added reached 407 kilometers per hour (253 miles per hour). The record distance covered by a winning car stands at 5,411 kilometers (3,362 miles).

This WEC race continues to push the boundaries of endurance racing technology and driver performance, making it a must-watch event for racing fans worldwide.