This free practice day is the perfect opportunity for teams to fine-tune their cars on the 13.626 km-track for the 24 Hours next weekend. Rookie drivers get a chance to familiarize themselves with the circuit and must complete a minimum of 10 laps, including five timed per the regulations. Test Day is always eagerly awaited and competitors will certainly put these nine hours of driving to good use. Luckily, gorgeous weather conditions (nearly 28 degrees) will help make Sunday a highlight of race week.

Teams will be busy throughout Test Day focusing on various settings adjustments, tire tests, fuel consumption evaluations, pit stops, reliability verifications and a review of the sporting and technical regulations specific to Le Mans. Drivers will occupy themselves getting acclimated in general and Race Direction will use Test Day to check that teams have understood the regulations fully and correctly.

Safety cars will take the track at 14:00 for a race neutralization simulation which will also serve as a rehearsal for track marshals who are just as committed to following the regulations as are the competitors.

Test Day will also usher in the era of Hypercars, the new top class in the FIA WEC and at the 24 Hours. Though the Toyota GR010 Hybrids, Glickenhaus 007 LMHs and Alpine A480-Gibson have already competed at a six-hour and an eight-hour race, Le Mans is a whole other ballgame. Test Day is the opportunity to get one's bearings at the track and to customize car settings for the iconic circuit. It is also a good time to assess potential and see where a competitor stands.

Test Day includes nine hours of track time with a first session from 09:00 to 13:00, then a second from 14:00 to 19:00. The protocol for the 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans accepted by authorities only provides for public reception starting on Wednesday 18 August.

Click to follow Test Day live.

The 89th 24 Hours of Le Mans entry list.