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24H Backstage | 24h-lemans.com

In episode 1 of Drivers of Destiny, Tom Kristensen looks back on his racing career and reveals the numerous rewards of the 24 Hours of Le Mans beyond the nine triumphs.

24 Heures du Mans

To Tom Kristensen, Le Mans means much more than a glittering record of nine wins in 18 race starts. Over the years, the 24 Hours of Le Mans was a school of life for the Danish driver. His experience helped him grow, put things into perspective and understand the importance of teamwork. In episode 1 of Drivers of Destiny, with touching sincerity the nine-time winner tells what the 24 Hours of Le Mans has meant to him, and how the race still affects his life.

<h2>The phone call that changed everything</h2>

Kristensen’s relationship with the 24 Hours of Le Mans began long before he ever took part in the race. He was ten years old when he first watched <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/steve-mcqueen-and-paul-newman-when-hollywood-talents-tackle-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-56792">Steve McQueen’s film, Le Mans</a>. He had only just started go-karting. Le Mans was still the stuff of dreams. It wasn’t until later that it started to become reality. “One time, we stopped the final of the [karting] race [so] we could [watch] the Jaguar with John Nielsen finishing. A fellow Dane winning Le Mans. At that point, I knew wanted to do Le Mans one day.”

That dream came true sooner than expected. In 1997, just four days before that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, he got a phone call that marked a turning point. Joest Racing asked him to share the wheel of their Porsche with Michele Alboreto and Stefan Johansson.

You don’t forget your first encounter with the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. It’s so big. And steeped in history. The legend is everywhere: in the grandstands, the corners, the city’s streets, even the procedures.

Tom Kristensen remembers his first race week as a succession of discoveries: seeing the circuit, meeting the team, scrutineering in town... It was all new to him. 
Throughout it all, he could feel something special. Respect.

Le Mans naturally imposes its history. Yet Tom Kristensen does not say he felt intimidated by the place. With time, it has come to mean something different. What was once a place to conquer has gradually become a haven. A place to come back to. A home from home.

<h2>The 24 Hours of Le Mans, school of life</h2>

There lies the essence of his message. On reflection, the record-holder for the most Le Mans 24 hours victories does not evoke racing, speed and success. He talks about what he learned at Le Mans.

“I think it’s a form of education”, he says. A curriculum of experience, happy times, difficulties and encounters. Kristensen believes endurance racing is a school of life. You learn to work with others, to deal with the unexpected, stay focused on the task in hand and to trust those around you. You don’t win the 24 Hours of Le Mans on your own!

Behind every driver there are mechanics, engineers, team members – people who work for months, years, to prepare for one week a year. Camaraderie and trust are as important as performance. The team aspect is particularly important to Kristensen.

1997_1473.jpg

<h2>Realisation</h2>

Kristensen is not likely to forget the first time he won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He recorded the fastest lap in the race with the #7 Porsche TWR WSC 95 he shared with Michele Alboreto and Stefan Johansson… The entire experience was incredibly fast.

On the day, he was tired, proud and relieved to have lived up to expectations. Now, looking back, he sees his accomplishments in a new light.   
Today, Tom Kristensen views the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the most important part of his racing career. Not the nine wins; rather what they represent: the people he met, the friends he made, the memories he built and the feelings he shared. “I wouldn’t say Le Mans changed me,” he admits. “But it definitely has given me a lot of value in life. It has given me a lot of things to reflect on. I think I’m more relaxed in a way.”

<h2>How has Le Mans affected you?</h2>

This episode of Drivers of Destiny illustrates that behind a star racer lies a profoundly universal experience.

We all have a memory of something that sparked a passion. An encounter that marked a turning point. A place where we feel at home. A moment of joy shared with others. To Tom Kristensen, it’s Le Mans. In Drivers of Destiny, he tells us why.

Take a trip down memory lane with the nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in episode 1 of our new series.

Drivers of destiny - Tom Kristensen

Tom Kristensen: What the 24 Hours of Le Mans taught me about life

The entry list for the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series, which will be a unique season of six 4-hour races in Europe, will feature 47 full season entries across the three classes, the maximum that can be accommodated by the Circuit Paul Ricard, the Circuito de Jerez and the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

Asian Le Mans

The new Hypercar class has attracted two Ferrari 499P. 2025/26 ALMS LMP2 Vice Champions Cetilar Racing are fielding one car for father and son duo Roberto and Nicola Lacorte, who will be joined by 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Antonio Fuoco in the no47 entry. The second Ferrari will be in AF Corse colours, with 24 Hours of Le Mans winners Yifei Ye and Nicklas Nielsen joining Luis Perez Companc in the no90 499P.

The 16-strong LMP2 field equals the record-breaking entry for the class last season. The 2026/27 ALMS entry is completed by an impressive line-up of 29 cars, featuring no less than eight different manufacturers – Aston Martin, BMW, Ferrari, Ford, Lamborghini, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche.

The 47 strong entry list will see 32 teams representing 16 different nations, including Malaysia, Hong Kong, Japan, Bahrain, Qatar, the UAE, the USA, Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Poland, Portugal and the UK.

<h2>LMP2</h2>

The 16 entries in the LMP2 field will include champions both past and present. 

Reigning champions Crowdstrike Racing by APR return to defend their title with Drivers’ Champion George Kurtz as the lead driver. As well as running the Crowdstrike Racing Oreca, 2024/25 champions Algarve Pro Racing will run two cars with former champion Michael Jensen in the no25 Oreca and former ELMS champion John Falb in the no20 entry.

Former ALMS LMP2 champions Nielsen Racing and DKR Engineering will enter a car each, with American Naveen Rao the lead driver for Nielsen and Belgian racer Jean Glorieux for DKR.

Reigning 24 Hours of Le Mans LMP2 winners Inter Europol Competition will enter a pair of Oreca-Gibsons, with double Le Mans class winner Nick Yelloly in the no43 entry. United Autosports, AF Corse and Proton Competition will each run a pair of cars in the LMP2 category, while Team Virage, Duqueine Team and CLX Motorsport will each run a single Oreca-Gibson.

<h2>GT3</h2>

The impressive line-up of 29 cars includes seven Mercedes-AMG GT3 EVOs, six Porsche 911 GT3 R EVOs, five Ferrari 296 GT3 EVOs, four Aston Martin Vantage AMR GT3 EVOs, two Lamborghini Temerario GT3s, two Ford Mustang GT3 EVOs, two McLaren 720S GT3 EVOs and one BMW M4 GT3 EVO.

Former champions Manthey return to the ALMS once again with a pair of Porsche 911s, with 2024/25 champion Klaus Bachler in the no91 entry and multi 24 Hours of Le Mans class winner Richard Lietz in the no92 Porsche.

Asia is well represented on the GT3 grid with Malaysian team Petrolife Racing Team entering a single Mercedes-AMG, with Malaysian racer Afiq Yazid named as the lead driver. 

There are two Japanese teams, with Takeshi Kimura rejoining the grid in the distinctive no57 Car Guy liveried Ferrari 296. After racing in LMP2 last season, Ponos returns to the ALMS with a single Ferrari 296 GT3 EVO for Yorikatsu Tsujiko and Takuro Shinohara.

ELMS LMGT3 Championship leaders Team Qatar by Iron Lynx will run a single entry for Qatari driver Abdulla Ali Al-Khelaifi and Maxime Martin. Iron Lynx will also run a second Mercedes-AMG for Hong Kong team Craft-Bamboo Racing.

Anglo-Bahraini team 2 Seas Motorsports will run a pair of Mercedes-AMGs, with Bahraini racer Isa Al Khaifa joining Nicolas Cristofaro in the no46 car, while father-son duo Lawrence and Freddie Tomlinson race the no33 Mercedes-AMG.

UAE team Dragon Racing will run a single Ferrari 296 for 2024 ELMS LMGT3 champion Axcil Jefferies from Zimbabwe.

American squad Heart of Racing Team will run a pair of Aston Martins, the leading FIA WEC team fielding the no26 car for Gray Newell and the no27 Vantage for Ian James. There are two further Aston Martin Vantage GT3s on the grid, with Car Blanche by RSL and Ecurie Ecosse Blackthorn running one car each.

Multiple championship winning Belgian outfit Team WRT return with a single BMW M4 GT3 for 2025/26 ALMS Vice Champion Anthony Mcintosh.

British team Garage 59 will run a pair of McLaren 720S GT3s, with Tom Fleming in the no58 car and Alexander West in the no60.

Haupt Racing Team will bring a pair of Ford Mustang GT3s to the ALMS this year, with Indian driver Arjun Maini racing in the no64 Mustang.  Dyfne Racing Team and Leipert Motorsports fielding a single Lamborghini Temerario each.

ALMS race winning teams Getspeed and Winward Racing will each enter a single Mercedes-AMG GT3, with Steve Jans and Anthony Bartone in the no9 Getspeed car and Rinat Salikhov in the no87 Winward car.  

Fellow German team Proton Competition will enter a pair of Porsche 911 GT3 R EVOs alongside their two LMP2 cars, with Japanese driver Hiroyuki Ogawa in the no77 entry and Australian Martin Berry in the no99 Porsche. High Class Racing and Herberth Motorsport will both run a single Porsche 911 GT3 R EVO.

The grid is completed by a pair of Ferrari 296 GT3 EVOs run by AF Corse, meaning the Italian team are running cars in all three classes in the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “A 47-car entry for the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series is a tremendous demonstration of the strength and appeal of the championship. In what is an exceptional season, this remarkable grid reflects the confidence of teams, manufacturers and drivers in the series and in the values of endurance racing. With Hypercars joining the championship for the first time, alongside a highly competitive LMP2 and GT3 field, we have all the ingredients for an outstanding season. The Asian Le Mans Series remains an important part of the Le Mans endurance racing family and a pathway to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I would like to thank all the competitors for their commitment and trust, and I look forward to seeing this exceptional field on track at Le Castellet in November.”

Frédéric Lequien, ALMEM and LMEM CEO: “We are very pleased to announce another huge field for the Asian Le Mans Series this season. Despite the ongoing issues in the Middle East, we are truly happy to see so many drivers and teams from Asia making the trip to compete in Europe in this unique winter series.

“We have two Ferraris entered in Hypercar, and, while we were hoping to have more for the first season, we look forward to seeing Cetilar Racing and AF Corse in action in Le Castellet.

“While we have an impressive 16 cars in LMP2 and 29 in GT3, we actually received many more applications beyond the 47-car maximum, and we would like to thank every team that applied for a place on the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series grid for their interest and support.

“We are looking forward to seeing another great season of racing starting in Le Castellet next month.”

Stéphane Ratel, SRO Motorsports Group Founder and CEO: “Its calendar and continent might have changed significantly but the Asian Le Mans Series has once again underlined its status as sportscar racing's top 'winter' destination by assembling another sold-out and highly competitive entry list. LMP2 and GT3 remain typically strong, whilst the two Hypercar entries – although modest for the time being – represent a signal of intent amidst ongoing uncertainty across the Middle East that has forced championship organisers to temporarily pivot away from the region. The validity of that decision is clear for all to see in this highly impressive entry list, as well as the other cars Asian Le Mans Series organisers were unable to accommodate.”

<a href="https://www.fiawec.com/umbrella_media/04-2026-2027-asian-le-mans-series-provisional-entry-list-as-at-30-sep-2026-35-xlsx-read-only-6abf7187c1b5b393983569.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE</a> for the full season entry list for the 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series.

2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series / Winter Le Mans Series Calendar

<ul><li>Rounds 1 &amp; 2 - 13-15 Nov 2026 - Le Castellet (France)</li>
	<li>Rounds 3 &amp; 4 - 15-17 Jan 2027 - Circuito de Jerez (Spain)</li>
	<li>Rounds 5 &amp; 6 - 19-21 Feb 2027 - Autódromo Internacional do Algarve (Portugal)</li>
</ul>

Maximum 47-Car Grid for 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series in Europe

The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), the global governing body for motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations worldwide, and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), the founder and organiser of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, have today announced a major deal for the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), securing another decade of growth.

FIA WEC

<ul><li>10-year extension for FIA WEC agreed between FIA and ACO until 2037</li>
	<li>Significantly enhanced FIA branding across the championship</li>
	<li>Common ambition to expand partnership and drive commercial growth</li>
	<li>Stronger and consistent regulatory oversight; all regulations will be approved by the FIA Endurance Commission and FIA World Motor Sport Council</li>
	<li>‘Golden Age’ for FIA WEC as audience grows more than 8% in 12 months</li>
	<li>Deal marks the fourth long-term agreement for FIA World Championships since July 2025</li>
</ul>

The landmark agreement, which comes during a period of unprecedented growth for the championship, will ensure a common ambition to expand the partnership and drive its commercial success. It will run from the end of 2027, when the current agreement expires, to the end of 2037. 
Under the extended partnership agreement, all regulatory processes will be overseen by FIA Working Groups, the FIA Endurance Commission, and will require the final approval of the FIA World Motor Sport Council. The homologation process has also been streamlined, with the FIA and ACO overseeing the homologation of all cars competing in the Hypercar class. 
The renewed partnership will also deliver significantly increased branding for the FIA. This includes enhanced branding prominently displayed across key areas including parc fermé, the podium and the Safety Cars, as well as across broadcast coverage. 
With an expanding fanbase, a wider pool of competitors, and a global calendar of iconic events, the championship is stronger than ever. Since its inception in 2012, it has set the global standard for long-distance circuit racing. Following the introduction of the Hypercar regulations in 2021, interest in the championship from motor sport fans and from the automotive world has surged. 
FIA WEC’s trackside audience has grown 8% so far in 2026, with millions of fans following the championship globally. The fanbase for the championship is also evolving. This year, 44% of attendees are aged 34 or younger, while 40% are attending an FIA WEC event for the first time. The championship has secured the long-term loyalty of its existing fanbase, while building the next generation of endurance racing fans. 
Eight of the world’s leading auto-manufacturers currently compete in Hypercar, the top category of FIA WEC. Following the addition of the LMGT3 class in 2024, the championship now counts no fewer than 14 marques in total on the starting grid. Two more giants of the automotive industry – Ford and McLaren – are set to join the Hypercar ranks in 2027. 
For over 100 years, endurance racing has served as a proven testbed for technologies that transfer from track to road. This renewed agreement creates a solid framework for advancing hydrogen powertrains in competition, providing a clear pathway toward more sustainable transport and mobility. 
It will also deliver a more unified technical framework that defines top-level endurance racing Hypercars competing both in the FIA WEC and IMSA in North America, which will be introduced from 2030.  The new framework will provide greater cost-efficiency for manufacturers to compete in endurance racing championships and events globally, boosting potential participation and increasing the spectacle for motor sport fans. 
With interest in FIA WEC at levels never seen before, the championship is positioned for continued growth and success over the coming decade. This new deal offers the solid foundation needed to secure its future, marking a milestone moment in the history of FIA WEC. Mohammed Ben Sulayem, President of the FIA, said: “This is not simply an agreement, it is a vital step forward for racing that will secure the future of the FIA World Endurance Championship for years to come. 
“This is a deal built for the future, a deal of the century, one that strengthens the collaboration between the FIA and ACO, a relationship that dates back over 120 years, and sets the championship up for a decade of record growth that will deliver real benefits to fans, drivers, teams and manufacturers. 
“It has been an honour to play a part in the collaboration that has helped usher in this golden age of endurance racing. I look forward to continuing our work alongside President Pierre Fillon and his team as we build on this momentum and shape an even stronger future.” Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, said: “We are delighted to see the agreement between the FIA and the ACO extended, reinforcing the strong and long-standing relationship that has been at the heart of the FIA World Endurance Championship since its creation in 2012. This partnership has been built on trust, shared ambition, and a common commitment to the development of endurance racing. 
“Together, the FIA and the ACO have created a solid foundation for the continued success and international growth of the championship, and we look forward to writing the next chapter of this remarkable collaboration. Finally, I would like to thank FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem for the great relationship we have built.”  Alberto Villarreal, General Manager at the FIA, said: “The FIA World Endurance Championship is stronger and more popular than it has ever been before, with a growing and evolving fanbase, and an impressive roster of top-tier global auto-manufacturers. 
“The agreement announced today underlines the investment in the championship from both the FIA and the ACO, and our commitment to continue bringing the sport to new audiences. It is a pivotal moment in the history of FIA WEC, and provides the foundation and stability needed for the championship’s ongoing success.” Frédéric Lequien, CEO of the Le Mans Endurance Management, the promoter for the FIA World Endurance Championship, said: “This agreement comes at an exciting time for the FIA World Endurance Championship. The championship is experiencing exceptional momentum, with growing engagement from manufacturers, teams, partners, media, and fans around the world. The extension provides a strong framework to build on this growth, further strengthen the global appeal of the WEC and continue to deliver a world-class championship at the forefront of endurance racing. We are looking forward to an ambitious and exciting future for the FIA WEC.”

Notes to Editors 
The renewed agreement between the FIA and the ACO follows three other significant long-term agreement announcements since July 2025:

FIA and Formula E sign landmark extension to power Formula E World Championship for another 10 years, announced in July 2025 – <a href="https://api.fia.com/news/fia-and-formula-e-sign-landmark-extension-power-formula-e-world-championship-another-10-years">information here</a> 
Multi-year Concorde Governance Agreement between the FIA, Formula 1 Group and all 11 race teams, announced in December 2025 – <a href="https://api.fia.com/news/fia-and-formula-e-sign-landmark-extension-power-formula-e-world-championship-another-10-years">information her</a>e 
“Deal of the Century” for FIA World and European Rally Championships in July 2026 – <a href="https://api.fia.com/news/fia-completes-deal-century-fia-world-and-european-rally-championships">information here</a> 
These announcements form part of the FIA’s strategic investment in the future of motor sport, as it continues its mission to grow participation in the sport and provide a safe and accessible platform for all.

The FIA has seen a radical transformation since 2021, and earlier this year <a href="https://api.fia.com/news/fia-delivers-strongest-set-financial-results-decade">announced</a> that it had delivered its strongest set of financial results in a decade in 2025, with an operating profit of €6.7m. It also reported an exceptional gain of €20m through the Formula E contract extension.

 

About the FIA 
The Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA) is the governing body for world motor sport and the federation for mobility organisations globally. It is a non-profit organisation committed to driving innovation and championing safety, sustainability and equality across motor sport and mobility. 
Founded in 1904, with offices in Paris, London and Geneva, the FIA brings together 246 Member Organisations across five continents, representing millions of road users, motor sport professionals and volunteers. It develops and enforces regulations for motor sport, including six FIA World Championships, to ensure worldwide competitions are safe and fair for all. About FIA WEC 
  
The FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC), created in 2012 by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) and the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), represents the undisputed pinnacle of the long-distance discipline. 
  
Bringing together the world’s leading manufacturers, biggest brands, top drivers and most successful teams, FIA WEC races around the globe, pushing the limits of speed, performance and durability while encouraging ever-greater feats of strategic skill. If the fast and fearless drivers are the heroes, then the cars are the stars, from their cutting-edge technology to their dynamic design. And then, of course, there is the sound of the engines – that uncompromising, unadulterated roar. 
  
The cornerstone of the calendar is the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans, an event born in 1923 that continues to serve as the ultimate test for manufacturers seeking to prove their mettle – but every race has its own character, challenges and pitfalls. As a series with a proud history, a compelling present and a thrilling future, FIA WEC remains endurance racing’s global benchmark, continuously setting the standard in the sport and inspiring generations to come.

Historic Deal Positions FIA WEC for Record Decade of Growth

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24hBackstage

Getting to know TOYOTA GAZOO Racing

Video 360

Speaker 24h

Circuit run

Army

Future

Le Mans Magazine

Tom Kristensen: What the 24 Hours of Le Mans taught me about life

Maximum 47-Car Grid for 2026/27 Asian Le Mans Series in Europe

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