24 Hours of Le Mans: Wednesday’s Free Practice and Qualifying
Photo: WEC/Adrenal Media
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24 Hours of Le Mans: Wednesday’s Free Practice and Qualifying

Wednesday’s schedule includes two track sessions: free practice (16h00–20h00) and the first qualifying session (22h00–00h00).

The serious business starts now for the 180 drivers competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. All will be vying to clock the fastest time in their class and secure pole position for the big race.

What are Wednesday’s sessions all about?

Wednesday is the day all the drivers have been waiting for.  All 60 cars will be on track from 16h00 for four hours of free practice.  As at the Test Day on 3rd June, free practice is used to tweak settings and give Le Mans rookies the opportunity to get some more laps under their belt. 

At 22h00, the serious business begins in earnest with the first qualifying session (until midnight). The objective for the teams is to set the fastest possible time and, for the favourites, to secure pole position... and valuable media attention!

If Wednesday’s weather conditions are not conducive to fast times, all is not lost as two more qualifying sessions are scheduled on Thursday (19h00–21h00 and 22h00–00h00). All drivers must complete a minimum of five laps in at least one of the two night sessions.

With thanks to the ACO