24h Le Mans
For the second year running, the fastest competitors in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will thrash it out during Hyperpole. This new qualifying format was introduced by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) in 2020 and brings together the six quickest teams in each class for a high-speed 30-minute session.
Hyperpole is the ultimate qualifying session and determines the position of the first six cars in each class on the starting grid (Hypercar, LMP2, LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am). The rest of the grid is then based on the times recorded during Wednesday’s qualifying session.
What is special about Hyperpole is that there is less traffic on the track (in theory, there will only be 23 cars out) for a short session (30 minutes), which encourages some very fast racing. Kamui Kobayashi took part in the session in 2020, clinching pole in 3:15.267. “I enjoyed a great clear lap, then I made another attempt and was ahead at the first two splits... but then I ran into traffic, which was a shame...” explains the driver who set the fastest ever lap time on the full Le Mans circuit with 3:14.791 in 2017. “What I can say about Hyperpole is that it creates a bit of jealousy! Everyone wants to take part!” he jokes.
Kévin Estre, who has been on top form since the start of the season, will be trying to place his Porsche 911 RSR-19 out front in the LMGTE Pro class. The French driver is expected to be behind the wheel of the #92. He tells us that he enjoys Hyperpole. “It’s great to be at Le Mans with new tyres, the minimum amount of fuel in the tank and no traffic. Fighting for pole during the Hyperpole session is also great for your ego and prestige! Hyperpole brings a bit of sprint racing to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We know that our starting position doesn’t determine our race, but it’s important to try and get out front.”
Côme Ledogar has also tried his hand at Hyperpole. He clocked the best time in LMGTE Am in 2020 with 3:51.266. He’s very much looking forward to this year’s edition. Given the performances seen in the sessions so far, last year’s time should be easily beaten. “Competing in Hyperpole, before a crowd this time, gives us hope for life in general. It feels like we’re getting back to normal and we need that kind of feeling right now.”
The Hyperpole session will run from 21:00 to 21:30 this Thursday evening. It promises to be quite a thriller so don’t miss it!
