Racing fans are currently in the grips of 2022’s F1 season, but Le Mans will also be getting their attention this weekend.
It is truly a unique event and one that is steeped in history.
Many famous drivers have tried their hand at the day-long gauntlet, including Paul Newman and even Michael Fassbender this year, who sustained a major crash during qualifying.
The event got underway on Wednesday June 8, with teams gunning around the course in the hopes of getting the fastest lap before the big race.
It isn’t just a test of driving skill but also the mental fortitude required to loop round the central French slopes for 24 hours.
What is Le Mans?
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is an endurance motor race held each year near the town of Le Mans in central France.
It is also the world’s oldest endurance race, making it one of the most famous for its legacy of close racing, brutal crashes and a history of testing the best drivers to the extreme.
The main difference between an endurance race and a typical race is how points are scored.
This isn’t simply a test of speed, as the winner is the team that covers the most distance in the 24-hour period.
The cars will be taken to their breaking point as they are pushed to floor it continually for an entire day.
When is Le Mans?
The main race will begin at 3pm BST on Saturday June 11 and finish at 3pm the following day, Sunday June 12.
The remaining schedule is as follows:
Saturday, June 11
- 9:30 to 9:45 – Warm up
- 15:00 pm – The race
Sunday, June 12
- 15:00 – Finish
How to attend Le Mans
If you want to attend Le Mans, there are a few options available to you which are listed on the 24 Hours of Le Mans website.
Tickets for the event are still available, including full passes to the main weekend with prices starting at 79 euros (£67).
Full ticketing information can be found on the tickets page of the Le Mans website.
If you want to stay at the event for more than one day, camping options are also available, with the costs starting at £255 per person.
You will need to bring all your own kit though, but if you want something provided for you, then glamping might be the best alternative.
This is available from £605 per person, with luxury tents provided, meaning all you will need to bring is clothes and a toothbrush with you.
There are also local hotels and B&B’s in the surrounding areas, though expect these to cost significantly more due to last-minute demand.
On the website, two options are listed costing a whopping £1,799 and £2,449, respectively.
