24h Le Mans
The 3rd annual city centre tour saw 19 racing cars – representing every constructor and category – loop twice in front of an overjoyed crowd. Aude, Aimie, Matéo and Jade didn't miss a thing.
Alpine, Aston Martin, BMW, Cadillac, Corvette, Ferrari, Ford, Lexus, Mercedes, Peugeot, Porsche and Toyota all showed up thia afternoon in the heart of the endurance racing capital of the world. The crowd came out in force to catch glimpses of these stunning cars snaking between between shops, banks and restaurants, slipping under balconies and passed the town's famous cathedral, a setting so familiar to residents of Le Mans.
Refreshing breezes kept fans cool this Saturday afternoon as they watched the Hypercars, LMP2s and LMGT3s parade through the city. Spectators in front of the prefecture flew a "46" flag for nine-time Grand Prix Moto champion Valentino Rossi. The entire city centre flooded the streets of Le Mans to wish the teams and cars luck as the returned to the circuit after two days at the place de la République.
Sisters Jade, Aimie and Aude came with friend and car enthusiast Matéo. They found a great vantage point further away near the place du Jet d'Eau. Jade (age 21): We arrived an hour early to get a good spot. Alençon native Matéo is a diehard fan who follows the FIA World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) and 24 Hours of Le Mans religiously.
The first cars come into view with the Peugeot 9X8 in electric mode gliding along the tram tracks. The BMW M Hybrid V8 heats things up when its driver roars the 8-cylinder turbo. A prelude to the upcoming race or a reminder of the close finish of 2024, the Toyota GR010 Hybrid is stuck trailing the Ferrari 499P. A newcomer to the Hypercar category this year, the Aston Martin Valkyrie turns heads, but Jade (age 14) is more into the Iron Dames #85 Porsche: Their car is so gorgeous! Thunderous applause showed that the crwod agrees with her. Local hero Sébastien Bourdais and defending champion Ferrari were also showered with endless cheers.
Aimie loves that the racing cars are allowed to parade through the city centre: They sound louder. She says Matéo has influenced her enthusiasm. I'm a Ferrari fan because he's a Ferrari fan. He is a true fan, remembering that the #50 Ferrari won the race last year and that the Italian carmaker has dominated the 2025 season so far with three wins in as many races). “It is fantastic!” he concludes when the 1920s Chenard & Walcker brings up the rear of the motorcade.
Mark your calendars for next year when official 24 Hours commentator Bruno Vandestick will once again proclaim: This is Le Mans!
