Since 2012 the world’s most famous endurance race has been part of the World Endurance Championship with double championship points making the race an important part of teams' and drivers' world title bid. In addition every driver and team taking part wants to be part of the Roll of Honour that stretches back to the first race in 1923.
The 2015 race will be the 83rd edition of the 24 Heures du Mans and the fourth as part of the FIA World Endurance Championship.
Some Quick Facts about the 24 Heures du Mans
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17.262 km (10.726 Miles) was the length of the original circuit in 1923. It was shortened in 1929 and again in 1932 and several times since.
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The city of Le Mans has hosted the French Grand Prix on four occasions: 1906, 1921, 1929 and 1967.
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The fastest speed achieved on the Mulsanne Straight was 403.9kph / 251mph set by Roger Dorchy’s WM-Peugeot in 1988, of course before the addition of the two Hunaudieres chicanes.
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5410km (3362 Miles) – the greatest distance achieved by a winning car (2010 Audi R15 TDI – Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard, Mike Rockenfeller).
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A car bearing the number 24 has never won at the 24 Heures du Mans.
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After winning the 1967 race with A.J. Foyt and Ford, American Dan Gurney spontaneously sprayed champagne while celebrating on the podium. This was the first occasion on which this had been done but since then it has become the traditional victory celebration.
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It is 18 years since a Formula 1 Grand Prix winner has won at Le Mans - Michele Alboreto in a Joest Racing TWR Porsche WSC-95 in 1997 was the last.
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1997 was also the first of Tom Kristensen’s record nine wins at Le Mans.
Victories by Nations since 1923
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France - 42
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United Kingdom - 42
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Germany - 28
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USA - 19
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Italy - 18
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Belgium - 13
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Australia - 4
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Austria - 4
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Switzerland - 3
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Netherlands - 3
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Finland - 2
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Japan - 2
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New Zealand - 2
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Sweden - 2
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Argentina - 1
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Canada - 1
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Spain - 1
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Mexico - 1
Some Quick Facts about the 24 Heures du Mans
• 17.262 km (10.726 Miles) was the length of the original circuit in 1923. It was shortened in 1929 and again in 1932.
• The city of Le Mans has hosted the French Grand Prix on four occassions: 1906, 1921, 1929 and 1967
• The fastest speed achieved on the Mulsanne Straight was 403.9kph / 251mph set by Roger Dorchy’s WM-Peugeot in 1988.
• 5410km (3362 Miles) – the greatest distance achieved by a winning car (2010 Audi R15 TDI – Romain Dumas, Timo Bernhard, Mike Rockenfeller)
• A car bearing the number 24 has never won at the 24 Heures du Mans.
• After winning the 1967 race with A.J. Foyt and Ford, American Dan Gurney spontaneously sprayed champagne while celebrating on the podium. This was the first occasion that this had been done and one that has become the traditional victory celebration.
• It is 18 years since a Formula 1 Grand Prix winner has won at Le Mans - Michele Alboreto in a Joest Racing TWR Porsche WSC-95 in 1997
• 1997 was also the first of Tom Kristensen’s record nine wins at Le Mans.
• Victories by Nations since 1923
o France 42
o United Kingdom 42
o Germany 28
o USA 19
o Italy 18
o Belgium 13
o Australia 4
o Austria 4
o Switzerland 3
o Netherlands 3
o Finland 2
o Japan 2
o New Zealand 2
o Sweden 2
o Argentina 1
o Canada 1
o Spain 1
o Mexico 1
