Born on the 8th of September 1956, Stefan Johansson raced his first 24 Hours of Le Mans 30 years ago, before winning in 1997, with a young driver named Tom Kristensen.

Over the past two decades, Le Mans Classic has become an international benchmark in historic motorsport. Each edition is a sell-out, attracting over 200,000 spectators eager to see the 700 cars on the racetrack. Faced with growing demand, especially for the more recent cars that graced endurance racing from the 1960s to the 2010s, Peter Auto has decided to progress the biennial Le Mans Classic to a 12-monthly fixture to embrace the increasingly rich programme and appeal to a wider, multigenerational audience.

Henceforth, Le Mans Classic will be held annually and alternate between two complementary formats: Le Mans Classic Heritage and Le Mans Classic Legend.

<h2>Le Mans Classic Legend from 2026</h2>

From 2026, Le Mans Classic Legend will replay the contemporary history of endurance, featuring cars entered between 1976 and 2015. This edition will host five grids illustrating the main technical and aesthetic evolutions that have transformed the discipline:

<ul>
	<li>Grid 6 &ndash; The Turbo Era (1976&ndash;1982): Highlighting the massive influx of turbocharged Le Mans prototypes &ndash; a period marked by technical innovation and a boom in performance.</li>
	<li>Grid 7 &ndash; Group C Racing (1983&ndash;1993): The Group C era saw the greatest manufacturers &ndash; including Porsche, Jaguar, Mercedes and Toyota &ndash; and independent teams wage a battle against a backdrop of spectacular performance and technical creativity. These legendary prototypes wrote some of the finest pages in 24 Hours of Le Mans and World Endurance Championship history (Peugeot 905 Evo, Porsche 962C, Mercedes-Benz C11, etc.).</li>
	<li>Grid&nbsp; 8 &ndash; Endurance Racing Legends 1 (1994&ndash;2000): Bringing together the prototypes and GTs that marked the rebirth of endurance in the 1990s with the resurgence of prestigious makes and pioneering aerodynamics (Ferrari F40 LM, McLaren F1 GTR, Porsche 911 GT1, etc.).</li>
	<li>Grid&nbsp; 9 &ndash; Endurance Racing Legends 2 (2001&ndash;2010): The natural continuation of the previous grid, with a technological escalation through to 2005 for prototypes and 2010 for GTs (Chrysler Viper GTS-R, Audi R8 LMP, Bentley Speed 8, etc.).</li>
	<li>Grid 10 &ndash; Legend of Le Mans (2006&ndash;2015): Featuring the emblematic GTEs and LMP prototypes that competed in major international championships such as the WEC, IMSA, ELMS and ILMS, and especially the greatest endurance contests such as the 24-hours races of Le Mans and Daytona. These models strike a chord with younger racegoers and are etched in the collective memory of the noughties.</li>
</ul>

The programme will be rounded out by three support races, including the GT3 Revival Series with 40-to-50-minute sessions providing spectacular on-track entertainment.

Devised for a new generation of fans, Le Mans Classic Legend is an event to which children bring their parents to admire the cars of their youth. Clubs will also be honoured with special sessions set aside for astounding youngtimers. Of course, live music and a host of activities and entertainment will be staged during the event.

<h2>Le Mans Classic Heritage from 2027</h2>

Le Mans Classic Heritage will transport spectators back to the golden age of endurance in a tribute to the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 1923 to 1975. Authenticity is the name of the game! The event will capture the mood, setting and style of bygone days and create a truly vintage racing atmosphere.

Five grids will reflect some of the glorious periods witnessed at the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1923 and 1975 through a selection of emblematic cars that marked the history of endurance:

<ul>
	<li>
	Grid 1 &ndash; Origins (1923&ndash;1939): pre-war models that were true endurance pioneers. Some of the cars are over 90 years old and have unsynchronised gearboxes and rear brakes only. And yet they reach speeds exceeding 160&nbsp;kph on the Mulsanne Straight! Their presence revives the spirit of the early years of Le Mans and tells the tales of heroic feats when the race was a challenge for plucky amateurs.
	</li>
	<li>
	Grid 2 &ndash; Le Mans Reborn (1949&ndash;1956): a tribute to the renaissance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans after the Second World War. It brings together iconic cars that marked the golden age of endurance in the 1950s, when the elegance of the silhouette rivalled with mechanical audacity in models such as the Jaguar XK, Jaguar C-Type, Austin Healey, DB HBR and Triumph TR2.
	</li>
	<li>
	Grid 3 &ndash; Sixties 1 (1957&ndash;1961): This grid, at the crossroads of the fifties and sixties, showcases the first &ldquo;modern&rdquo; GTs and prototypes that competed in the greatest endurance races. It features models that shaped the history of the world championship: Ferrari 250 GT SWB, Porsche 718 RSK, DB HBR5, Maserati Tipo 61 &ldquo;Birdcage&rdquo;, etc.
	</li>
	<li>Grid 4 &ndash; Sixties 2 (1962&ndash;1966): This grid gives pride of place to the GTs and sports cars of the decade during a period of transition marked by significant technical progress. Spectators will have the chance to admire legends such as the Ford GT40, the Porsche 911 2.0L, the Ferrari 250 LM and 275 GTB/4, the Jaguar E-Type, etc. Ford&rsquo;s first appearance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans was the beginning of the legendary face-off with Ferrari, immortalised in James Mangold&rsquo;s popular movie Ford v Ferrari (aka Le Mans &rsquo;66 ).</li>
</ul>

<ul>
	<li>Grid 5 &ndash; Classic Endurance (1967&ndash;1975): this grid features the giants of the three-way battle between Ford, Ferrari and Porsche, finely tuned 3-litre prototypes and Group 5 GTs.&nbsp; These powerful yet elegant machines embody the innovation and technical excesses of the time. The cast of V8, V12 and flat-twelve engines will roar once again like an echo of bygone times. A grid that will revive the intense golden days of international endurance racing.</li>
</ul>

Exceptional thematic support races will also be held.

<h2>Historic Racing by Peter Auto rebranded as Le Mans Classic Series</h2>

Since 2010, the Historic Racing by Peter Auto series has showcased the history of touring cars and endurance, from the 1950s to the 2010s, at Europe&rsquo;s finest racing venues such as Spa-Francorchamps (Spa Classic), Le Castellet (Dix Mille Tours), Dijon-Prenois (Grand Prix de l&rsquo;&Acirc;ge d&rsquo;Or), Imola (Imola Classic) and Estoril (Estoril&nbsp;Classic).

From 2026, the Historic Racing series will be renamed Le Mans Classic Series. By capitalising on the worldwide renown of Le Mans, these competitions will enjoy a greater impact among fans, sponsors and the media.

Like the contemporary series, participants in the Le Mans Classic Series who can field an eligible model will receive preferential treatment when applying to appear at Le Mans Classic Legend or Heritage, the highlight of the year in La Sarthe.

This will thus build a bridge between the work accomplished all year round and the preparation of a major event like Le Mans Classic, placing it at the pinnacle of historic races. It will also provide an opportunity to promote our drivers and teams and strengthen our attachment to the living history of racing.

Le Mans Classic to become an annual event

During the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans race week, hydrogen took center stage. On track, in the village, and throughout the city, this energy carrier showcased its potential through spectacular demonstrations and real-world applications. From the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2 to the Alpenglow Hy6 reaching over 312 km/h, and from the hydrogen inspection bus to the hydrogen-powered aircraft, motorsport’s move toward decarbonization is clearly underway.

During the week-long event of the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, hydrogen demonstrated to spectators its potential on the track and its various uses, already well established. On the track, the Le Mans circuit, the Le Mans airfield, and the streets of Le Mans were able to accommodate various hydrogen vehicles. This energy carrier, which will be introduced in competitions, in endurance racing, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship starting in 2028, is one of the solutions for decarbonizing motor racing and mobility. 
 
In the ACO H2 village, racing prototypes were on display, as well as MissionH24, a collaborative program between the ACO and H24Project, as well as a TotalEnergies H2 station, which allowed the Alpenglow Hy6 and the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2 to be refueled before their demonstrations on the legendary Sarthe circuit. Relive the 312.9 km/h of the Alpenglow Hy6 but also the official inspection of the track by hydrogen bus or the presentation of a hydrogen plane or the announcement of the MissionH24-Toyota Gazoo Racing partnership

MissionH24 - L'hydrogène en pistes aux 24 Heures du Mans 2025

Hydrogen on the Tracks at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans

Ferrari has just unveiled the 296 GT3 Evo – the upgraded version of its GT racing car. The new model will be unleashed in the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 2026.

Three years after the introduction of the 296 GT3, Ferrari has presented a new and improved version: the 296 GT3 Evo. Ferrari has drawn on client feedback and the experience gained with the 296 LMGT3 in the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2024. The upgrade capitalises on an impressive track record of 140 victories, 405 podiums and 56 pole positions to offer customer teams an ever more competitive model that will be ready to take up the challenges of top-level endurance &ndash; especially the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.

<h2>Aerodynamics cut out for endurance</h2>

The twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged with the same 120&deg; hot-vee configuration. Unsurprisingly, as it guarantees excellent efficiency, linear torque delivery and tried-and-tested reliability. The engine remains in the same position as in the 296 GT3, further forward and lower down than on the road-going version. What is new, however, is a revised gear ratio cascade to offer better driveability at all engine speeds. On top of the mechanical upgrades, the aerodynamic package of the 296 GT3 Evo has been completely redeveloped to ensure more predictable stability in slipstream situations and more consistent downforce, notably through a redesigned rear diffuser, new vortex generators, a modified front end and a rear wing equipped with a quick adjustment system.

Progress has also been made on the aerodynamic efficiency of the 296 GT3 Evo thanks to a refined development methodology combining wind tunnel testing with CFD calculations. Performance was then checked through track tests in traffic conditions. The outcome is a more predictable car offering outstanding aerodynamic performance even in disturbed air, as is often encountered in endurance.

<h2>A car designed with clients in mind</h2>

The cockpit, designed for client racing drivers, retains its intuitive ergonomic characteristics while incorporating an enhanced air conditioning system &ndash; vital for 24-hour races. The front and rear suspension has been modified with the aim of reducing mechanical loads, improving reliability and ensuring a more uniform dynamic response between the front and rear axles.

In addition to the new air intakes in the front bonnet and the redesigned rear wing, the 296 GT3 Evo is drawing on the LMGT3 experience in the shape of the rear side panels and the modified rear-view mirrors for improved visibility and less vibration.

The Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo will make its racing debut in 2026. It will be homologated for the LMGT3 class of the FIA WEC, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and will be available as an upgrade kit for teams already competing with the 296 GT3.

Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo – Maranello’s new LMGT3 thoroughbred

Jamie Chadwick of IDEC Sport made an impression at her first 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite her solid, consistent racing, her car did not cross the finish line due to an incident in the 17th hour.

British driver Chadwick calmly displayed her regularity and good pace at the wheel of the #18 Oreca 07-Gibson she shared with three-time Le Mans winner Andr&eacute; Lotterer and young Frenchman Mathys Jaubert. An altogether promising start for the 27-year-old Briton. However, Sunday dawned with a stroke of bad luck for the IDEC Sport crew when the car lost a wheel.

<h2>A promising Le Mans d&eacute;but</h2>

Like most racing drivers, Chadwick had long dreamed of Le Mans. Her first taste of the race was with IDEC Sport in LMP2. She demonstrated her talent right from the moment she took the wheel. When she took over from Andr&eacute; Lotterer 6 hours into the race, she completed a clean, solid double stint, moving the car up to sixth place.

&ldquo;It was an incredible week, regardless of the outcome. It was a bit of a dream to be able to compete here, and we were having a really good race actually,&rdquo; said Chadwick. &ldquo;We&#39;ve lacked a bit of pace all week, so we didn&#39;t know if we would be in the fight for anything, especially after qualifying, but just had a really nice strategy, made no mistakes, and found ourselves in a good position, so it was all coming together quite nicely.&rdquo;

The number #18&rsquo;s adaptability and well-matched crew put the car among the leaders. Jaubert was even running in second place after 205 laps, proving that the French team was legitimate in setting its sights on a podium place. But the goal was set aside when, shortly after 8 am, Andr&eacute; Lotterer stopped the car on the edge of the track having lost the rear right wheel.

&ldquo;Just a bit bittersweet in many senses, so that was our race done. It would have been great to have finished it, but we learned a huge amount, and [I&rsquo;m] looking forward to what&#39;s next.&rdquo; added Chadwick who is <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/jamie-chadwick-intends-to-work-her-way-up-to-hypercar-59730">headed for&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/jamie-chadwick-intends-to-work-her-way-up-to-hypercar-59730">the Hypercar class with Genesis Magma Racing</a>.

<h2>A unique learning experience</h2>

Racing aside, Chadwick appreciated the magic of Le Mans to the full. &quot;This is why Le Mans is so special. I would describe it as one of the most special races in motorsport, but also one of the most special events in the sport. I think the history, the prestige, the spectacle of what you see... is incredible, and then you combine that with close, competitive racing that goes to the very end of 24 hours. It&#39;s like no other.&rdquo;

Won over by the atmosphere and the adoring crowds, she enthuses: &ldquo;There&#39;s such a huge fan base for this race, and it&#39;s almost a festival. British people that came down, especially just for this race, and it&#39;s not just about the race, it&#39;s about the whole week. It&#39;s about everything, the traditions. We have the scrutineering in the town. We have the parade on Friday and everything put together is what make it so special.&quot;

At 27, Chadwick has added a prestigious event to her already illustrious track record, especially in single-seater racing: in W series and Indy NXT (the stage before Indycar). Her first 24 Hours of Le Mans confirms her potential for success in endurance racing, despite the DNF. The Lotterer/Chadwick/Jaubert crew will be attempting to retain their lead in the European Le Mans Series in the third round, 3-6 July in Imola, Italy.

&nbsp;

24 Heures du Mans 2025 - JAMIE CHADWICK: MY FIRST LE MANS

Les premières 24 Heures du Mans de Jamie Chadwivck

2025 24 Hours of Le Mans: Jamie Chadwick stopped short by the wheel of misfortune

<img alt="" src="/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Image/actualites/intercontinental-le-mans-cup_2010/actu/2010_09_30_alboreto.jpg" style="width: 350px; height: 248px; margin-left: 5px; margin-right: 5px; float: right;" />In his first participation in 1983, he finished sixth with Klaus Ludwig and Bob Wollek in a Porsche 956 entered by Reinhold Joest. Thereafter, the 24 hours was a golden thread in the career of the Swedish driver. After 79 Grands Prix and twelve podiums in Formula 1, at Ferrari and McLaren (where he was the team mate Alain Prost in 1987), he raced in La Sarthe in 1991 with Mazda and Toyota in 1992.

	Stefan Johansson then spent four seasons in the United States and returned to Le Mans in 1997 with Reinhold Joest. Driving a TWR-Porsche prototype, he won the 24 Hours with Michele Alboreto (who was his team mate at Ferrari in F1 in 1985 and 86) and Tom Kristensen (first appearance and first win). In 2001, he raced Audi R8 decorated with legendary colours blue and orange Gulf Oil Company. It was again in that livery he made his return to Le Mans last year in LM P2, driving the Lola-Nissan of Gulf Racing Middle East. Besides his victory in 1997, Stefan Johansson has finished four times at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in fifteen participations (between 1983 and 2012): third in 2003, fifth in 1992 and sixth in 1983 and 1991.

	Jean-Philippe Doret / ACO 
	 
	Photo : CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES (LE MANS, SARTHE), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, PODIUM, 15th JUNE 1997. Winners left to right: Reinhold Joest and drivers Tom Kristensen, Stefan Johansson and Michele Alboreto. 
	&nbsp;

24H LE MANS

Happy Birthday Stefan Johansson !

Related News

Le Mans Classic to become an annual event

Hydrogen on the Tracks at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans

Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo – Maranello’s new LMGT3 thoroughbred

2025 24 Hours of Le Mans: Jamie Chadwick stopped short by the wheel of misfortune

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