If we talk about motor racing and the most prestigious, most difficult races, we have to mention the 24 hours at Le Mans. This crazy event is like the crown jewel in racing and requires both engineering excellence and flawless driving for 24 whole hours. First started in 1923, this event attracts top teams to participate, hundreds of thousands of fans to the stands and millions to watch online. Let’s look back at the history of this race, and also focus on the 2024 24 Hours of Le Mans. We’ll provide betting insights and forecasts for the upcoming event.
History of Le Mans 24 Hours
Le Mans is a name that motorsport fans hold in high regard. It’s a relatively small town in the middle of France with a population of around 140,000. Yet, for one weekend per year, the eyes of millions are on this city. More specifically, they are directed towards Circuit de la Sarthe, a 13.626 km long, semi-permanent racetrack on the outskirts of the town.
The history of the 24 hours of Le Mans takes us back more than a century. First ever race was held in 1923. So, besides being arguably the most demanding, it is the world’s oldest active endurance racing event. The idea for such a mega race was conceived by ACO (Automobile Club de l’Ouest). With the boom of interest towards car racing and increased numbers of cars hitting the road, racing became a space for manufacturers, drivers and teams to test their might and capability.
Le Mans quickly became a cornerstone of motorsport. However, unlike traditional races and traditional tracks where there’s usually a focus on endurance or speed, Le Mans requires both. Teams must balance fast lap times with impeccable mechanical reliability and strategic pit stops.
Throughout the decades, Le Mans became the pinnacle of engineering innovation and racing drama.
There have been plenty of amazing moments that resonate with passionate fans from all over the world. More on those – a bit later.
The race serves as a critical testing ground for advancements in aerodynamics, fuel efficiency, and hybrid technology. The FIA creates strict rules that the teams try to navigate and make the fastest possible cars that could smash records and not break down over the entire day of running.
The Track of Le Mans 24 Hours
The Circuit de la Sarthe is home to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The track is unique in almost every regard.
Pic from Racingcircuits.info
Length: 13.626 km (8.467 miles)
- Turns: 38
- Top Speed: Well over 340 km/h (210 mph) on the Mulsanne Straight.
Most Dangerous Spots:
- Mulsanne Straight: Known for high speeds it leads to intense braking zones.
- Indianapolis and Arnage: Technical esses (corners) which require maximum concentration and precise handling.
- Virage Porsche. High-speed, sweeping turns that allow to gain a lot of lap time but also provide little to no room for error.
The entry to the circuit, known for its picturesque setting is called the Dunlop bridge. It’s often the sight for the representative shots of the race. The Tertre Rouge just before Mulsanne Straight is also super important as the cars prepare to push to their top speed and try overtaking. Yet another spot for overtaking comes after Ford Chicane. Drivers usually set up attacking positions here.
Take a wild ride with Kamui Kobayashi as he sets the lap record around this track.
Most notable stories in Le Mans history
Over the near 100 years of history, Le Mans races have had their fair share of drama and excitement. We’ll list the 6 we consider those that every fan should know.
Ford vs. Ferrari Rivalry (1966)
Hands down the first thing everyone thinks of when you say Le Mans is the epic rivalry between the might of Ford and the passion of Ferrari. When Ford felt insulted because Enzo Ferrari wouldn’t sell the company, they went all out to dethrone the Prancing Horse from the top of motorsport. It culminated in a dramatic victory in 1966, ending Ferrari’s dominance.
The race saw Ford GT40s finish 1-2-3, a landmark moment, immortalised in the Hollywood movie “Ford v Ferrari”.
First Win for Porsche (1970)
Porsche is sort of a benchmark for performance cars today. But back in the late 1960s it wasn’t. The German manufacturer claimed its first overall win in 1970 with the legendary, ground-shaking 917K. overcoming harsh weather and fierce competition. This was the first of 19 total wins for Porsche.
Mazda’s Rotary Engine Victory (1991)
Mazda became the first Japanese manufacturer to win Le Mans with the 787B. It was cool enough in its own regard but what set the 787B apart was the rotary engine. The win broke European dominance at the event and birthed millions of rotary engine fans worldwide.
Tom Kristensen’s Ninth Win (2013)
Tom Kristensen is known as Mr. Le Mans. The Dane scored his record ninth victory in 2013 with Audi. His closest rival is Jacky Ickx with 6 wins. Out of active drivers there is only Sebastian Buemi with 4.
Pierre Levegh’s Tragic Accident (1955)
We cannot deny the fact that the race at Le Mans is extremely dangerous. Back in the 1950s not only the drivers, but the fans were at risk. So much so, that in the 1955 race Pierre Levegh crashed, resulting in 83 spectator deaths. The tragedy led to significant safety reforms in motorsport.
Toyota’s Heartbreak (2016)
As of recent, Toyota has been the dominant manufacturer in WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans. However, in 2016 they were trying to dethrone Porsche from the top step. And they were 3 minutes away but the leading car broke down, allowing Porsche to pass and claim victory.
Forecasts for Le Mans 2024
Last year, the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans was spectacularly won by Ferrari, who just returned from their long absence. While the AF Corse team fans raved, others watched in envy. The Italians dethroned Toyota who are coming back with a vengeance, and brought back Porsche Penske who are the top dog when it comes to performance cars.
The most important indicator of Le Mans odds is usually the previous races in the WEC calendar. So, let’s look at what happened in 2024.
Qatar 1812 km in Lusail International Circuit
Winners:
- Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport
2nd place:
- Porsche 963, Hertz Team Jota
3rd place:
- Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport
6 Hours of Imola in Imola Circuit
Winners:
- Toyota GR010 Hybrid, Toyota Gazoo Racing
2nd place:
- Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport
3rd place:
- Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport
6 Hours of Spa-Franchorchamps in SPA, Belgium
Winners:
- Porsche 963, Hertz Team Jota
2nd place:
- Porsche 963, Porsche Penske Motorsport
3rd place:
- Ferrari 499P, Ferrari AF Corse
So, as it seems, Porsche is the most dominant car, being able to handle tracks with both heavy braking zones, sweeping esses and very high-speed sections. Last year’s winners – Ferrari seem to be on the back foot with only a single podium from three previous FIA WEC races. Toyota is also a strong candidate but even their top reps praise Porsche’s amazing performance. However, you never know, they may be trying to lull their top competitors to sleep. Our picks (if everything goes according to plan)
- A 1-2 finish for Porsche Penske
- Toyota takes the 3rd and 4th spots
- Ferrari cars finish behind one of the Hertz teams
- Peugeot outperforms Cadillac
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