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The 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans: a unique week-long experience

24 Heures du Mans

The 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans: a unique week-long experience

Despite its name, the 95th 24 Hours of Le Mans (9-13 June 2027) will last a whole week. From the Practice/Qualifying and Hyperpole sessions, meeting and greeting drivers, the Pit Stop Challenge, concerts, support races, exploration of the circuit, right up to the podium celebration, Le Mans is centre of endurance racing world for much longer than 24 hours. The event is to be experienced at least once in a lifetime.

In brief

 

  • The 95th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans scheduled on 9–13 June 2027 is much more than a race. In Le Mans, the 24th week of the year comprises practice/qualifying and Hyperpole sessions, a Pit Stop Challenge, entertainment and encounters.
  • Explore the circuit from all angles, by day, by night, as a race track for 62 cars, but also as a place to walk, cycle or skate (on the Friday before the race).
  • The show goes on beyond the track in the Fan Zones, on the concert stage, in the race village, and at M24 – Motorsport Museum.
  • From the first growl of engines to the exhilarating finish, Le Mans is a unique all-round experience where spectators get to meet drivers, watch mechanics at work and admire cars close up.

 

The 2027 24 Hours Of Le Mans, round five of the FIA World Endurance Championship, is a unique week-long experience culminating in a 24-hour race. From 9 to 13 June the 95th edition of the race will gather 62 cars, each with three drivers, and hundreds of thousands of fans at the famous circuit in Le Mans for several days of exhilarating action on and off track, building up to the weekend and the world’s greatest endurance race. Whether you’re a first timer or an old-timer, Le Mans always has a surprise or two in store.

Why experience 24 Hours of Le Mans Race Week?

Because Le Mans begins long before 4 p.m. on Saturday.

The build-up lasts several days. Excitement mounts gradually, with a slick pit stop, a driver’s beaming grin, a lightening fast lap, or the sound of a Hypercar on a starry night.

The best way to fully comprehend the unique Le Mans atmosphere is to be part of it.

Get close to the people behind the race

A week at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is about encounters.

On the Tuesday, spectators are invited to the pit lane where the mechanics are busy working on their cars in the 62 garages. Bodywork is checked, settings tweaked and routines practised.

A little later, the pit teams are the stars of the Pit Stop Challenge. Which team can do the fastest wheel change?
They make it look simple, but a wheel weighs over 20 kg, and an air impact wrench 6 kg. The stopwatch is unforgiving.

In 2026, the AF Corse #83 Ferrari 499P mechanics won the contest overall. The CLX Motorsport #37 Oreca 07-Gibson crew were fastest in LMP2, and Team WRT triumphed in LMGT3 (#39 BMW M4 LMGT3).

It’s all over in a matter of seconds. But it takes hours of practice. That’s Le Mans.

Held on the Tuesday before the race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Pit Stop Challenge trains the spotlight on the mechanics. Spectators watch in awe as they perform their slick moves to change all four wheels as fast as possible.
Held on the Tuesday before the race, the 24 Hours of Le Mans Pit Stop Challenge trains the spotlight on the mechanics. Spectators watch in awe as they perform their slick moves to change all four wheels as fast as possible.© Olivier ROLLAND-JACOB (ACO)

Autographs, photos, motorbikes – meet the drivers

The traditional autograph session also takes place on Tuesday.

Come along with a poster, cap or programme to get signed. And, of course, ask for a selfie! You can also take the opportunity to chat with someone who will soon be hurtling down the Mulsanne Straight at over 300 kph.

There’s no time for a long conversation, but a few words might stay with you forever.

The autograph session is an opportunity to meet 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers, and get a poster, cap or programme signed while you exchange a few words.
The autograph session is an opportunity to meet 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers, and get a poster, cap or programme signed while you exchange a few words.© Antonin VINCENT (ACO)

From Free Practice 1 to Hyperpole: watch the hierarchy take shape

A 24-hour race requires preparation, practice and adjustment.

The 62 teams use the four free practice and qualifying sessions to gain experience of the circuit in the car, tweaking settings and testing tyres lap after lap.

In the garages, engineers crunch data in an effort to maximise performance. The car’s behaviour when accelerating, braking, and turning at every spot on the circuit is scrutinised and perfected.

Then comes Thursday night. Hyperpole time.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans Hyperpole session is a quest for the perfect lap

It’s a spine-tingling moment. After the first selection phase, the top-ranking cars race against the clock again to determine slots on the starting grid.

In LMP2 and LMGT3, 30 cars compete for the last 10 places per class. In Hypercar, the top 15 go through to the final. The 15-minute showdown (known as H2), a mere handful of laps, determines the starting grid. No second thoughts. No long-term strategy. Just a 13.626-kilometre circuit, driver, car, and clock.

Enjoy even more track action thanks to the support races

Don’t be too hasty to leave the trackside between two 24 Hours of Le Mans sessions. There are four support races on the 2027 programme.

Road to Le Mans: LMP3 and LMGT3 on the full circuit!

Road to Le Mans, the highlight of the 2027 Michelin Le Mans Cup, is an opportunity to see up-and-coming LMP3 and LMGT3 teams do battle on the full Le Mans circuit.

The three-hour race, including refuelling and driver changes, takes place on the Friday morning of Race Week.

Ligier European Series on Test Day

Founded in 2020, the Ligier European Series features the Ligier JS P4 and Ligier JS2 R.

Free Practice, qualifying and the race itself all take place on 24 Hours of Le Mans Test Day (Sunday 6 June 2027). A fine way to begin a week of track action before the big race.

Legends of Le Mans: history back on track

After a promising start, Legends of Le Mans continues in 2027. Classic prototypes and GTs return to the circuit on which many became famous.

Not all pieces of history are in museums. Some are still racing!

McLaren Trophy Europe: an all-new field

In 2027, Le Mans will also host the McLaren Trophy Europe. The support race will allow drivers from McLaren Trophy America to compete as guest entries, alongside teams running current McLaren GT3 EVO and GT4-spec customer racing cars.

This fixture coincides with the British carmaker’s return to the top level of endurance racing in the Hypercar class.

Support races such as Road to Le Mans, which features LMP3 and GT3 cars, are a great opportunity to see more track action during Race Week.
Support races such as Road to Le Mans, which features LMP3 and GT3 cars, are a great opportunity to see more track action during Race Week.© Loic WACZIAK (ACO)

On Friday, the circuit is all yours

Now, imagine the Mulsanne Straight with no cars. No engines. No traffic. Soft transport only.

On Friday afternoon, the track is open to the public. Everyone can walk, cycle or skate around the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. Hours later, the competitors will reclaim their playground.

In the meantime, explore the circuit like never before. Spot the humps that the TV screen smooths over. Notice the width of the track. Touch the rumble strips. Examine the well-known sections of the course from a totally different angle,

from Tertre Rouge Corner to the Porsche Curves. Sure, you watch the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But have you ever set foot on the track?

On Friday afternoon, the track is open to the public. Everyone can walk, cycle or skate around the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.
On Friday afternoon, the track is open to the public. Everyone can walk, cycle or skate around the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit.© DOMINIQUE BREUGNOT (ACO)

Don’t forget the fan zones, concerts and the race village

Once you’ve explored the track, there’s always plenty to do and see at the circuit.

Head for a Fan Zone to watch the race on a big screen as you relax and enjoy some refreshments with your friends. You might even get chatting to someone who’s come from afar. Maybe you support the same team. Before you know it, you’re cheering a nifty piece of overtaking with someone you only met five minutes ago. That’s all part of the fun at Le Mans.

Don’t miss the Race Village and its numerous stores, exhibitors, and stages.

Four concerts are scheduled for the 2027 race. The billing will be announced in the next few months, as will the Fan Zone entertainment programme.

Les Fan Zones vous plongent dans l’univers des 24 Heures du Mans : animations, partage et passion rythment l’expérience autour de la course.
La liste pour 2027 vous sera dévoilé à l’approche de l’événement.
Les Fan Zones vous plongent dans l’univers des 24 Heures du Mans : animations, partage et passion rythment l’expérience autour de la course. La liste pour 2027 vous sera dévoilé à l’approche de l’événement.© JORDAN BONNIN (ACO)

M24 – Motorsport Museum: step back in time between track sessions

Sometimes, a glance in the rear mirror sheds light on what’s going on right now.
M24 – Motorsport Museum will be open throughout race week, from Saturday 5 to Monday 14 June 2027.

Famous cars, motorsport memorabilia and interactive displays tell the story of the disciplines – Endurance, Formula One, Rally and IndyCar – that have shaped motorsport.

Admission is free for week or weekend ticket holders.

Hold your breath at the starting ceremony

After a few days at the circuit, you’ll be used to the sound of engines. You’ll have seen plenty of cars go full throttle. You’ll have crossed paths with some drivers and mechanics, and you’ll have explored the circuit.

But in those few minutes before the start, you’ll feel the atmosphere change. All eyes are on the pit straight. The band strikes up La Marseillaise and many thousands sing along.

It’s nearly time. The tricolore flag is poised to be waved. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is about to start. You’re not just watching a race. You’re living Le Mans.

Darkness falls and the circuit is a different place

Then comes the indescribable atmosphere of nighttime at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Once the sun has set, the circuit is a whirl of lights. Headlamps, brake lights, LED indicators, all blurred by speed. Silhouettes emerge suddenly, and disappear in a flash, replaced by others, gone just as fast.

The clock ticks, steadily. Stand and watch for a while. Take in a few laps. That’s when you’ll realise you’re not watching cars whizz around. You’re witnessing art in movement.

Le Mans after dark is a mesmerising dance. You’ll be hooked.
Le Mans after dark is a mesmerising dance. You’ll be hooked.© Antonin VINCENT (ACO)

Applaud the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans

Darkness gives way to dawn. Only a few hours left. Tiredness sets in, yet the race is far from over. The slightest rattle sends shivers down spines in the pit lane. Refuelling strategy becomes all-important. Gaps are closed, or widened.

Finally, at 16:00 on Sunday, the chequered flag signifies the end of the race.

For the winners, the 24-hour effort makes history. To win the 24 Hours of Le Mans is to add one’s name to an illustrious list. But it’s not quite over yet.

Invade the pit lane to congratulate the winners

Once all the cars have crossed the finish line, the Pit Straight is the realm of the winners… and the spectators.

Crowds gather beneath the podium. For some of the thousands in the pit lane, it will be a first.

For others, it will be an annual habit. No matter. You’ll be sharing the same feeling. The joy of being there, in that moment.

Book your tickets for the 95th 24 Hours of Le Mans now.

24 Heures du Mans 2027 - TEASER OFFICIEL

FAQ: get ready for the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans Race Week

When is the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans?

The 95th 24 Hours of Le Mans will take place from 9 to 13 June 2027. However, the build-up begins with Test Day on Sunday 6 June.

What is there to do at the 24 Hours of Le Mans besides watch the race?

24 Hours of Le Mans race week includes a host of events on and off the track: the pit lane walk, the Pit Stop Challenge, autograph opportunities, support races, Fan Zones, four concerts, exhibitions and entertainment in the race village, visiting M24 – Motorsport Museum and walking, cycling or skating around the circuit.

Can you meet 24 Hours of Le Mans drivers?

Yes. Tuesday’s autograph session is the ideal opportunity to chat to drivers and get a signed photo.

Can you visit the pit lane at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Yes. During the pit lane walk, fans can peer into the garages and see the teams working on their cars.

What’s the 24 Hours of Le Mans Hyperpole?

Hyperpole is the final qualifying stage. The fastest qualifiers race to corner the best slots on the grid in each class: Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3.

Can you walk around the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans?

Yes. On Friday afternoon (the day before the race) you can walk, cycle or skate on the track. It’s a rare opportunity to see the circuit close up.

Why spend several days at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Because the race is the culmination of the experience. A longer stay means you can see all the practice and qualifying sessions, by day and by night, the Hyperpole, meet some drivers, watch the support races, enjoy the entertainment and feel the excitement mount day after day.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans lasts a day, but it takes a whole week to experience it fully. For some, the memories last a lifetime. Others refresh them every year!

FIAWEC - Launch Week 2027

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