A historic return to the top class for British racing
In short: For the first time since 2011, a British marque returned to the premier hypercar category at Le Mans. This endurance test isn't just about speed; it is a complex logistical puzzle of invites, reserve lists, and high-stakes manufacturer rivalries spanning over a century.
The 93rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans took place on June 14–15, 2025, at the Circuit de la Sarthe. Organized by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, the event serves as a cornerstone of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC). While it marks a century-long legacy dating back to 1923, the 2025 edition was defined by significant shifts in the grid, including Aston Martin’s return to the top class with two modified Valkyries and Mercedes-Benz's first appearance since 1999.
The entry process is a rigorous hierarchy. Out of 62 invited cars, 36 were full-season WEC competitors. The remaining slots were filled by automatic invites for championship winners from the European Le Mans Series (ELMS), Asian Le Mans Series (ALMS), and various GT World Challenge categories. To ensure a full grid, six reserve entries were held in a specific order to replace any withdrawals regardless of class.
The competition saw intense manufacturer dominance. Ferrari secured its third consecutive victory with the No. 83 Ferrari 499P, while also leading the Hypercar Manufacturers' Championship by a significant margin over Toyota. In the LMGT3 category, Porsche and Lexus emerged as primary contenders, with Manthey’s No. 92 Porsche 911 GT3 securing consecutive wins.
Preparation for these 24 hours involves intense scrutiny. Before the race weekend began on June 11, all entrants participated in a mandatory test day on June 8. These sessions are often volatile; during one session, a crash at the Porsche Curves and an engine failure forced multiple red flags, while another incident involving the No. 85 Iron Dames car resulted in a driver injury and subsequent replacement.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans
- Also: Wikidata — 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans · CC0
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