24 hours of Le Mans 2023: all about the centenary race, the TV program

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24 hours of Le Mans 2023 all about the centenary

24 HOURS OF LE MANS 2023. The centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2023 will take place on the weekend of June 10 and 11 on the famous Sarthois track. Here is all the info you need to know.

From 1923 to 2023… This year marks the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the most prestigious of endurance races. On the famous Sarthe circuit, open once a year since it combines portions of permanent layout and portions of national roads where motorists travel throughout the year, 62 cars, divided into three categories, will contend for victory on June 10 and 11. Who will succeed Toyota, five-time outgoing winner and once again big favorite to climb on the top step of the podium? With an extremely prestigious line-up (Porsche, Cadillac) and highly anticipated returns (Peugeot, Ferrari), this anniversary edition promises spectacle and emotions. All during a weekend (and even a week) full of festivities.

Wednesday, June 7 – 2 p.m./5 p.m.: Free practice 1 + 7 p.m./10 p.m.: Qualifying practice
Thursday, June 8 – 3pm/6pm: Free Practice 3 + 8pm/8.30pm: Hyperpole (with the 8 best times from the qualifying practice of the day before in each category)
Saturday, June 10 – 4 p.m.: Start of the race

The departure of the 91th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be given on Saturday June 10 at 4 p.m. French time. 2 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m., it all depends on the year and other sporting events. Several times, the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans had thus been postponed due to the concomitance with football, World Cup or Euro matches in particular. It will not be this year, but the departure time in 2023 will be the same as that of 1923, which is probably no coincidence. The checkered flag signifying the finish will therefore be lowered at 4 p.m. on Sunday 11 June. Note that for the 100th anniversary of the most famous endurance race, many events will take place throughout the week, including concerts (Zazie, Bob Sinclar, Mika, etc.) and a pyrotechnic and drone show on Saturday evening.

This year, two TV channels will broadcast the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Eurosport, a broadcaster for many years, will ensure full retransmission via Eurosport channels 1 and 2 (as well as on the paying app Eurosport Player). The broadcast should take place at 3 p.m. on Saturday June 10, one hour before the start, for broadcast until Sunday, with a part reserved for the post-race. Eurosport is accessible by subscription.

The L’Equipe Channel will provide free retransmission. Available on TNT (channel 21) or via the internet (connected TV or internet box), La Chaîne L’Equipe should broadcast the pre-race and of course the start at 4 p.m. We will soon have more information about their precise monitoring of the race.

    Who takes part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2023? The list of entrants

    62 crews of three drivers each are entered in the 2023 24 Hours of Le Mans. Here is the complete list of entries (PDF document) in click here. Five-time defending champion, Toyota will once again be the huge favorite this year. For the centenary race, Peugeot and Ferrari sign their big comeback, after 50 years of absence for the brand with the prancing horse, and will be surrounded in particular by Porsche and Cadillac in the queen category.

    The ranking of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is based on the number of laps covered between Saturday 4 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m. There is a general classification but also a classification by categories. Three categories coexist: the Hypercars bring together the favorites (Toyota, Glickenhaus, Porsche…), the LMP2 prototypes which are a little less powerful and the LMGTE am, now the only GT category. Note that a Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 will be the only competitor in the Innovative Cars category.

    What is the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2022?

    Category Hypercar
    1. Toyota Gazoo Racing (Buemi, Hartley, Hirakama)
    2. Toyota Gazoo Racing (Conway, Kobayashi, Lopez)
    3. Glickenhaus Racing (Briscoe, Mailleux, Westbrook)
    LMP2 category
    1. Jota (Felix da Costa, Gonzalez, Stevens)
    2. Prema ORLEN Team (Kubica, Delétraz, Colombo)
    3. Jota (Aberdein, Jones, Rasmussen)
    LMGTE Pro Category
    1. Porsche GT Team (Bruni, Lietz, Makowiecki)
    2. AF Corse (Guidi, Calado, Serra)
    3. AF Corse (Molina, Rigon, Fuoco)
    LMGTE class am
    1. TF Sport (Keating, Chaves, Sorensen)
    2. WeatherTech Racing (MacNeil, Andlauer, Merrill)
    3. NorthWest AMR (Lana, Pittard, Thiim)

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