Le Mans 24 Hours – in pictures

Packed grandstands watch the grid before the start Photograph: Richard White

A driver change is contemplated at the last minute on the grid Photograph: Richard White

24 hours to go as the pack power into the first corner on lap one Photograph: Richard White

The iconic Dunlop Bridge, several hours into the race Photograph: Richard White

OAK Racing's Morgan catches the eye Photograph: Richard White

The No54 AF Corse Ferrari takes a visit to the beach Photograph: Richard White

Viper return to Le Mans with grace and speed Photograph: Richard White

Audi's No1 negotiates traffic through the first Mulsanne chicane Photograph: Richard White

Lowering skies as night begins to fall over the Le Mans ferris wheel Photograph: Richard White

New tyres for OAK Racing in the early evening Photograph: Richard White

Lighting up time on the start-finish straight Photograph: Richard White

Aston Martin continued racing in their remaining cars with the blessing of Allan Simonsen's family after the driver was tragically killed early in the race Photograph: Richard White

A quick driver change for the No2 Audi Photograph: Richard White

The No1 Audi finished fifth after an alternator problem Photograph: Richard White

Despite a terrific prang in the final hour the No7 Toyota recovered to take fourth place Photograph: Richard White

Audi's Tom Kristensen, Allan McNish and Loic Duval take the top step at the end of this year's Le Mans 24 Photograph: Richard White

Organisers fly the Danish flag at half-mast on the podium in memory of Allan Simonsen Photograph: Richard White