THE 24H EXPERIENCE WITH BRUNO VANDESTICK

Experience the 24 Hours of Le Mans live with Bruno Vandestick, official speaker of the 24 Hours of Le Mans! Throughout the week, you will be able to follow along with him all the key moments of the event: free practice, Hyperpole, support races ... And of course the 89th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. An unmissable experience for all fans of the world's greatest endurance race.

Speaker

Speaker - 24H Backstage | 24h-lemans.com

Five years after setting out on its Le Mans adventure, Brembo reached a major milestone in 1989 with its first outright win. Jochen Mass, Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens ushered the Sauber-Mercedes home ahead of the field, bringing worldwide recognition to Brembo. This victory marked the beginning of a lasting partnership between the Italian brake supplier and the French endurance classic.

<h2>From steel discs to brake-by-wire &ndash; non-stop evolution</h2>

Since the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1923, braking technology&nbsp;has evolved continuously. A&nbsp; major turning point emerged with the introduction of carbon discs, now used in the Hypercar and LMP2 classes. These materials, already used in Formula One, were specially adapted to the constraints of endurance, notably to withstand race distances in excess of 4,000&nbsp;km.

Brake-by-wire&nbsp;systems were introduced for the Centenary race in 2023. With this revolutionary technology, braking pressure is controlled electronically through a solution integrated into the hybrid systems of modern prototypes. Brembo has thus progressed from its role purely as a brake supplier to become a key player in the field of mechatronics.

The Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans is a challenging track for braking systems. Temperature control and wear and tear of the carbon discs and pads are the main issues faced. Overheating calipers or discs can compromise performance &ndash; or even driver safety.

The task is further complicated by the rise in hybrid technology. Regenerative braking, used to recharge the batteries on decelerating, reduces stress on the mechanical brakes which must nonetheless remain fully efficient in the event of a hybrid system failure. The components must therefore be capable of absorbing extreme pressure levels&nbsp;in all situations.

89F604_D231072.jpg

<h2>Transfer of technology &ndash; from the 24 Hours of Le Mans to the production line</h2>

The know-how honed by Brembo at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is making its way into everyday motorcars. Endurance encourages the development of low-wear materials and more durable, environmentally friendly components. For instance, Brembo has designed cleaner, more resistant &ldquo;green&rdquo; disc brakes based on research conducted on the racetrack.

The future-facing company is also working on a new generation of calipers capable of reducing residual braking torque. This innovation would avoid unnecessary friction when the brakes are not applied, thereby cutting fuel consumption. This promising breakthrough could also reduce the number of pit stops and enhance the overall performance of endurance racing cars.

Over the last four decades, Brembo has undoubtedly established itself as a prime innovator in braking technology at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, making vital contributions to prototype safety, performance and sustainability.

Brembo and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – a history of endurance and innovation

On Friday 6 and Saturday 7 June, Place de la République in Le Mans city centre will be the venue for the technical and administrative checks for the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans. Check the timetable to see when each of the 62 cars will be examined by the scrutineers.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans race week gets underway with Scrutineering, an event that&rsquo;s always eagerly anticipated by the fans who gather around Place de la R&eacute;publique in the heart of the city to enjoy a close encounter with the Hypercars, LMP2s and LMGT3s, and the chance of a chat or a selfie with the drivers.

The administrative and technical verifications will begin at 10:00 on Friday 6 June with the #99 Porsche 963 entered by Proton Competition in the Hypercar class. The checks will then continue for two days according to a precise schedule&nbsp;until the final car &ndash; RLR M Sport​&#39;s&nbsp;#16 Oreca 07-Gibson&nbsp;racing in the LMP2 class &ndash; is examined at 12:40 on Saturday.

Once Scrutineering is over, don&rsquo;t miss the city centre procession!&nbsp; For only the third time ever, around thirty cars &ndash; including 19 due to compete in the race &ndash; will drive along a 2.1-km route through the city centre. To prolong the crowd&rsquo;s enjoyment, this year the cars will each do two laps, beginning at the Place du Jet d&#39;Eau. 
Over 70 marshals will be on duty to ensure public safety along the route.&nbsp;

Check the times of the administrative and technical checks for each car competing in the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans below.

2025_24H Le Mans_Scrutineering_Timetable_v1.jpg

2025 24 Hours of Le Mans scrutineering schedule

Toyota is all set to race in the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans (11-15 June 2025) with two GR010 Hybrid Hypercars, one of which will sport a red livery reminiscent of a legendary model: the spectacular, edgy Toyota GT-One (TS020), entered in 1998 and 1999. The car became an icon that symbolises still today the Japanese firm’s obsession with winning Le Mans. We look back at a shooting star that etched an indelible mark in the memory of fans everywhere.

In late 1996, Toyota launched a programme focused solely on winning the 24 Hours of Mans. The GT-One was designed by Toyota Team Europe in Cologne under the guidance of Andr&eacute; de Cortanze, the French engineer behind the Peugeot 905. With just one road-legal version produced to meet homologation requirements, she was in fact a prototype disguised as a GT. 
Her sculpted body concealed a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V8 engine developing 600-650 horsepower. Matched with a six-speed sequential gearbox, the GT-One could reach over 340 kph on the Mulsanne Straight. Her radical, aggressive appearance immediately elevated the car to cult status.

<h2>1998: promise and frustration</h2>

Three GT-Ones were entered in the 1998 24 Hours of Le Mans. They stood up to the Mercedes CLK-LM and Porsche 911 GT1 in qualifying but the race itself was a different matter. The #28 was soon forced to retire, followed by the #29 sister car. Only the #27 driven by Ukyo Katayama, Toshio Suzuki and Keiichi Tsuchiya saw the chequered flag, finishing in ninth place, 25 laps behind the winning Porsche 911 GT1. 
Despite the disappointment, the speed and potential of the GT-One made a strong impression. Its futuristic outline and red livery turned heads. History was in motion.

1998_GT-One_03.jpg

1998_GT-One_06.jpg

1998_GT-One_13.jpg

1998_GT-One_05.jpg

1998_GT-One_12.jpg

<h2>1999: high hopes ultimately deflated</h2>

A rule change saw the GT1 class give way to LMGTP closed-cockpit prototypes. Toyota adapted the GT-One which officially became a prototype. Three cars were again entered. 
After the #1 and #2 cars retired, it was left once again to the trio of Katayama, Suzuki and Tsuchiya to fight for victory against a BMW V12 LMR fielded by BMW Motorsport. Sadly, as the race entered its final stages, a high-speed blowout and a long crawl back to the pits deflated all hopes. Toyota finished in second place, one lap in arrears of the BMW. The GT-One gave her all, but the 24 Hours is an unforgiving beast.

Despite the defeat, the GT-One&rsquo;s spectacular looks, powerful performances and tragic history ensured the car became a legend. Thanks to the lasting impression made, the GT-One became a star of video games such as Gran Turismo. 
At the 2023 Le Mans Classic, Emmanuel Collard took the GT-One once again around the Circuit de la Sarthe. The onboard footage of this rare moment brings memories of this outstanding machine flooding back:

<h2>Toyota&rsquo;s living legacy at the 24 Hours of Le Mans</h2>

In 2025, Toyota Gazoo Racing has opted to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/toyota-celebrates-40-years-at-the-24-hours-with-standout-liveries-59575" target="_blank">revive the legacy of the GT-One by cloaking one of the two GR010 Hybrids in the&nbsp;emblematic livery</a>&nbsp;and pay tribute to this poignant chapter in the Japanese manufacturer&rsquo;s history at Le Mans, while reasserting its continued quest for victory.

The GT-One never won Le Mans, but she won the heart of many fans. And&nbsp;sometimes, cherished&nbsp;longstanding memories are worth just as much as any trophy.

GR010_HYBRID+GT-One_09.jpg

GR010_HYBRID+GT-One_05.jpg

Toyota GT-One: the legacy of a would-be Le Mans winner

The race highlights of the season opener of the 2025 FIA WEC season in Qatar.

Race Highlights I 2025 Qatar 1812 KM I FIA WEC

The highlights of the first qualifying session of the season in Qatar.

Qualifying Highlights I 2025 Qatar 1812 KM I FIA WEC

One race. 24 hours. A rollercoaster of emotions. After a sensational 92nd edition last year, gear up for 2025 and another race destined to make history!

24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 - Best Of

Ferrari has unveiled the livery of the 499Ps that will compete under the official Ferrari AF Corse banner at the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (11-15 June 2025) and the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship (WEC).

24H LE MANS

Speaker

THE 24H EXPERIENCE WITH BRUNO VANDESTICK

Le Mans Magazine

Brembo and the 24 Hours of Le Mans – a history of endurance and innovation

2025 24 Hours of Le Mans scrutineering schedule

Toyota GT-One: the legacy of a would-be Le Mans winner

Race Highlights I 2025 Qatar 1812 KM I FIA WEC

Qualifying Highlights I 2025 Qatar 1812 KM I FIA WEC

24 Hours of Le Mans 2024 - Best Of

FIRST LOOK: The 2025 Ferrari 499P Hypercar

Major Partner

PREMIUM partners

OFFICIAL partners