THE attention of the motor sport world turns to France for the greatest endurance event of the year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, on June 17 and 18. Sixty cars will line up on the grid before the French Tricolour flag drops to mark the start of the 85th edition of this prestigious event at Circuit de la Sarthe, and the third round of the 2017 FIA World Endurance Championship.
As the Rolex clock begins its 24-hour countdown, the drivers and cars will embark on their quest to conquer one of the ultimate tests of human and technical performance. The 2017 running of Le Mans will be particularly special for Rolex Testimonee and legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Tom Kristensen, who this year proudly celebrates the 20th anniversary of his first-ever victory at Circuit de la Sarthe. This significant win marked the start of a successful racing career, as the Dane went on to win eight more times at Le Mans, a feat unmatched by any other driver in the race’s lengthy history.
Ahead of this year’s race, Kristensen said, “It does not feel like 20 years ago since my debut win—in some ways it feels like it was only yesterday. When I reflect on my record of wins, at what many consider to be one of the greatest races in the world, with the different cars, teams and teammates during all those years, it makes me feel incredibly proud—it was the best journey of my life.”
Rolex has been the official timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans since 2001, reflecting the brand’s long-term commitment to motor sport at the highest level and passion for pushing the boundaries of excellence and innovation. This year’s race promises to be a thrilling duel between Porsche and Toyota, with the Japanese manufacturer entering three cars in the Le Mans Prototype 1 (LMP1) class in a bid to ward off its rival Porsche, which will return with two cars to defend its memorable title win last year. A new independent entry from ByKolles Racing completes the 2017 LMP1 lineup.
A record field is entered in the Le Mans Prototype 2 (LMP2) category, with 11-time Formula 1 winner Rubens Barrichello making his race debut for Racing Team Netherlands alongside teammates Frits van Eerd and 1988 winner Jan Lammers. They will compete in the 25 car-strong class as the new set of technical regulations, aimed at improving performances and capping costs, come into force in 2017. Ford Chip Ganassi will defend its title with a four-car lineup in the 13-car Le Mans GTE Pro category, also featuring Giancarlo Fisichella, back at Le Mans for an eighth time in Risi Competizione’s Ferrari 488 GTE. Sixteen cars will compete in the Le Mans GTE Am class, with Ferrari making up half of the field.
Rolex Testimonee, multiple Formula 1 Grand Prix winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion Mark Webber will be the Grand Marshal for this year’s race, driving the pace car during the formation lap and pulling off the track as the race starts. Webber said: “It is a great honor for me to be Grand Marshal at this unique and incredible circuit; starting the race will be an incredibly exciting experience. Having raced at Circuit de la Sarthe, I know firsthand how the drivers and teams will be feeling as they prepare for the long and exhausting 24 hours; to finish, and have a shot at victory, the race demands a difficult combination of speed and reliability. The next few weeks are incredibly important for the teams and drivers as they prepare for this mammoth race.”
Image credits: Tet Andolong