On November 22, 2005, Angela Merkel became the first female German chancellor and has proceeded to serve three consecutive terms. On June 21, 1930, Odette Siko and Marguerite Mareuse became the first women to take the start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in a Bugatti Type 40.

24H Le Mans

Le Mans Legendes

24 Heures du Mans

Historique

Le Mans Classic Legend (2–5 July 2026) transforms the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit into a world where heritage, music, cinema, the French art of living and the automobile come together. Concerts, exhibitions, a drive-in cinema, an auction, a museum, family entertainment and much more… every moment extends the same story: a passion for the automobile, passed down from generation to generation.

Le Mans Classic Legend is about far more than the cars on track. For four days, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit becomes a place of discovery, encounters and emotion, where every attraction reveals a different chapter in automotive history. Here, engines meet music, cinema brings memories back to life, everyday objects become heritage, and shared experiences create lasting memories.

<h2>Two Evenings of Live Music</h2>

As night falls, Le Mans Classic Legend takes on a different atmosphere without ever losing its soul. The concerts keep the celebration alive in a friendly setting where generations and musical styles come together. Discover the event&#39;s live music programme.

Friday, 3 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>8:00 pm &ndash; 10:00 pm: Contrecoeur</li>
	<li>10:30 pm &ndash; 11:30 pm: Polo &amp; Pan</li>
	<li>Midnight &ndash; 1:30 am: Etienne De Cr&eacute;cy</li>
</ul>

Saturday, 4 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>8:00 pm &ndash; 10:00 pm: Baccus</li>
	<li>10:30 pm &ndash; 11:30 pm: Superbus</li>
	<li>Midnight &ndash; 1:30 am: Bon Entendeur</li>
</ul>

<h2>Gordon Murray, Guest of Honour</h2>

Some individuals leave a lasting mark on automotive history. Gordon Murray is one of them.

The South African engineer, whose creations have become legendary, is the Guest of Honour at Le Mans Classic Legend 2026. His name is forever linked to the 24 Hours of Le Mans through the victory of the McLaren F1 GTR in 1995, as well as through designs that have shaped both Formula 1 and road car history.

On Saturday, 4 July 2026, from 2:25 pm to 2:40 pm, an exceptional parade will showcase several of his greatest creations: the McLaren F1, McLaren F1 GTR, Brabham BT42, Ayrton Senna&#39;s iconic McLaren MP4/5B, together with the latest GMA T.33, T.50 and T.50s Niki Lauda.

These models will also be displayed in the heart of the village, offering visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of a designer who has profoundly influenced automotive history.

<h2>A Drive-In Where the Automobile Takes Centre Stage</h2>

Located in Village 1, close to the Mus&eacute;e corner of the Bugatti Circuit, the Drive-In invites visitors to rediscover a selection of cult films. Turbo, GoldenEye, Taxi 2, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, The Love Bug Goes to Monte Carlo and the legendary short film C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous all demonstrate how the automobile has fuelled the imagination of cinema for decades.

A nostalgic experience where memories are not only watched, but truly relived. Discover the Le Mans Classic Legend Drive-In programme.

Friday, 3 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>4:00 pm &ndash; 5:36 pm: Turbo</li>
	<li>6:00 pm &ndash; 6:09 pm: C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous</li>
	<li>6:10 pm &ndash; 8:20 pm: James Bond: GoldenEye</li>
	<li>8:50 pm &ndash; 10:30 pm: The Love Bug Goes to Monte Carlo</li>
</ul>

Saturday, 4 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>4:00 pm &ndash; 5:28 pm: Taxi 2</li>
	<li>6:00 pm &ndash; 6:09 pm: C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous</li>
	<li>6:10 pm &ndash; 8:06 pm: Back to the Future</li>
	<li>8:30 pm &ndash; 8:39 pm: C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous</li>
	<li>8:40 pm &ndash; 10:42 pm: Jurassic Park</li>
</ul>

<h2>Visit the M24 &ndash; Museum of Motor Sport</h2>

Located at the North Gate of the circuit, the M24 &ndash; Museum of Motor Sport naturally extends the Le Mans Classic Legend experience.

More than simply a museum, it tells the story of the women, men, cars and achievements that have shaped the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and motor racing. Every gallery combines heritage with modernity to pass on this remarkable legacy to future generations.

Throughout the event, the museum welcomes visitors with extended opening hours, including a special late opening until midnight on Saturday.

Opening Hours:

<ul>
	<li>Wednesday, 1 July 2026: 9:00 am &ndash; 8:00 pm</li>
	<li>Thursday, 2 July 2026: 9:00 am &ndash; 6:00 pm</li>
	<li>Friday, 3 July 2026: 8:00 am &ndash; 8:00 pm</li>
	<li>Saturday, 4 July 2026: 8:00 am &ndash; Midnight</li>
	<li>Sunday, 5 July 2026: 8:00 am &ndash; 7:00 pm</li>
</ul>

Last admission is 1 hour and 15 minutes before closing.

<h2>The Artcurial Motorcars Auction</h2>

On Friday, 3 July, <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/le-mans-classic-legend-discover-the-lots-of-the-artcurial-motorcars-auction-60840" target="_blank">the official auction organised by Artcurial Motorcars</a> brings together an exceptional selection of collector cars at the heart of the circuit.

Competition cars, rare models, iconic classics and unexpected discoveries make up a catalogue designed for every enthusiast. Beyond the bidding itself, the auction is a journey through the decades, where every automobile tells its own story through its owners, achievements and legacy.

<h2>The Republican Guard Band: Elegance Before the Roar of the Engines</h2>

Before the racing begins, tradition takes centre stage. The Band of the French Republican Guard officially opens Le Mans Classic Legend with the ceremonial splendour that accompanies great occasions. Brass instruments echo around the circuit, inviting visitors into a timeless moment where national heritage and automotive heritage become one.

<h2>The Arcade Zone: Relive the Thrill of Another Era</h2>

Long before ultra-realistic gaming consoles, there were arcade machines.

Located in Village 1 opposite the Courbe restaurant, the Arcade Zone takes visitors back to the golden age of video games. Pinball machines, CRT screens and iconic arcade classics awaken memories that can be just as powerful as those of a first motor race.

It&#39;s an experience where younger visitors discover a world already familiar to their parents and grandparents.

<h2>A Funfair for the Whole Family</h2>

Le Mans Classic Legend is also a celebration for everyone. Located close to the concert stage, the funfair offers a light-hearted break between automotive discoveries. Rides, fairground games and a timeless atmosphere remind visitors that great events are enjoyed just as much with family as with fellow enthusiasts.

After all, the best memories are often the ones we create together.

<h2>Legendary Cars from the Silver Screen</h2>

Some cars have become immortal without ever winning a race.

This exhibition brings together some of the most famous automobiles from cinema and television. The Back to the Future DeLorean, Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds, the stars of Taxi, Fast &amp; Furious and The A-Team all illustrate the unique place the automobile holds in our collective imagination.

These are cars that tell the story not only of popular culture, but also of the history of cinema itself.

<h2>Le Mans Classic Legend: An Experience to Remember</h2>

Le Mans Classic Legend is an event where the automobile transcends its primary purpose to become memory, heritage and emotion. Every exhibition, concert, film screening and encounter contributes to telling a shared story&mdash;a passion that spans generations.

For four unforgettable days, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit becomes far more than a race track. It becomes a world where visitors come not only to admire extraordinary cars, but to enjoy a truly cultural and human experience. An invitation to slow down, reflect, share&hellip; and together write the next chapter in this remarkable story.

Book your tickets for Le Mans Classic Legend through <a href="https://www.lemansclassic.com/en/ticketing/" target="_blank">the event&#39;s official ticket office</a>.

Discover the Entertainment at Le Mans Classic Legend 2026

The third round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series, the 4 Hours of Imola promises exciting confrontations on one of Europe’s most emblematic circuits. The pecking order remains tight as the full 47-car grid, including several 24 Hours of Le Mans winners, prepares for the championship’s Italian fixture.

Having begun the season in Barcelona, then Le Castellet, the European Le Mans Series heads to the Imola circuit in Italy, where every turn is a piece of motorsport history. This Sunday, 5 July, the 47 cars and 139 drivers representing 29 nations will set off for four hours of fiercely intense racing. Fascinating battles are on the cards in all four classes &ndash; LMP2, LMP2 Pro/Am, LMP3 and LMGT3. The season hangs on a few tactical decisions. The 4 Hours of Imola is another milestone on the road that leads to the 2027 24 Hours of Le Mans (9&ndash;13 June 2027).

&gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://www.fiawec.com/umbrella_media/2026-elms-4-hours-of-imola-entry-list-v1-6a3b89b81475f377502179.pdf">Entry list for the 4 Hours of Imola</a> &lt;&lt;&lt;

<h2>Everything still to play for</h2>

Two races in, and the battle lines have been drawn. However no team is head and shoulders above the rest. Armed with third place in Barcelona and a victory at Le Castellet, United Autosports goes to Italy as leader of the classification tables.

Inter Europol Competition is just behind. The Polish team is only three points down, and the #43 Oreca 07-Gibson is fresh from <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/2026-24-hours-of-le-mans-a-historic-one-two-finish-in-lmp2-for-inter-europol-competition-60822">an LMP2 class win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans</a>. The trio composed of Jakub Smiechowski, Tom Dillmann and Nick Yelloly head to Imola resolved to chalk up another win.

European Le Mans Series title-holder Forestier Racing by Panis rounds off the top three. Having started with a win, the French team lost momentum after retirement at Le Castellet. That said, Esteban Masson, Oliver Gray and Louis Rousset will be boosted with the memory of a successful Imola weekend last year, when Gray and Masson made a significant contribution to the championship campaign.

<h2>High stakes in every class</h2>

The jousting is not only for the overall win. In LMP2 Pro/Am, Duqueine Team leads the pack thanks to two podiums, including a win from pole position. Doriane Pin, Richard Vershoor and Italian driver Giorgio Roda have five points in hand over AF Corse going into round 3. The Italian crew of Ferrari Hypercar works driver Antonio Fuoco, Fran&ccedil;ois Perrodo and Matthieu Vaxiviere will be racing before a home crowd.

In LMP3 Inter Europol Competition is in first place thanks to excellent driving from Alex Bukhantsov, Chun Ting Chou and Henry Cubides Olarte. Their success at Le Castellet places them nine points ahead of Rinaldi Racing, who will be bent on reiterating their opening round victory.

Competition will be equally fraught in LMGT3. The 14-car field is the largest on the grid, and includes six major manufacturers: Ferrari, Aston Martin, Corvette, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and Porsche. Top of the championship tables for the moment, Kessel Racing and the #57 Ferrari 296 LMGT3 Evo of Takeshi Kimura, Mathys Jaubert and Daniel Serra will be all out to retain their nine-point lead over Proton Competition.

<h2>Watch the 4 Hours of Imola live</h2>

The European Le Mans Series is one of the most prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans feeder series. Season after season, teams and drivers build up experience before facing the challenge of the world&rsquo;s greatest endurance race.

The 4 Hours of Imola will be streamed live on&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.fiawec.com/en/european-le-mans-series" target="_blank">FIAWEC+</a>, the official ELMS channel. With a FIAWEC+ account, fans can watch the whole race, access replays and highlights.

<div><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MzN0dRajKGo?si=DMJ9A-9Omw1Y90sv" title="YouTube video player" width="560"></iframe></div>

&nbsp;

4 hours of Imola: a clash that could reshape the ELMS season

Le Mans Classic Legend will feature four brand-new support races. Alongside the five traditional grids retracing the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, these four support series will add even more excitement to the event.

<h2>HSR Nascar Classic by Goodyear</h2>

Making its European debut at Le Mans Classic Legend, the HSR NASCAR Classic by Goodyear grid takes centre stage. Organised by Historic Sportscar Racing (HSR), the leading organiser of North American historic racing under the IMSA banner, this exceptional series will bring iconic NASCAR stock cars to Europe for the very first time.

This special appearance comes during a symbolic year, marking the 50th anniversary of NASCAR&#39;s first participation at Le Mans in 1976. It also continues the dialogue between American and European motorsport cultures initiated during the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2023.

&gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://files.peterauto.fr/share/4dVsP5BGVDu6SRnncVeH" target="_blank">HSR Nascar Classic by Goodyear Entry List</a>&nbsp;&lt;&lt;&lt;

<h2>GT3 Revival</h2>

Celebrating the first decade of the GT3 category, the GT3 Revival Series has been launched with the support of SRO Motorsport Group. The grid is open to GT3 cars built between 2006 and 2013, encompassing the first and second generations of these now-iconic machines. Also featured at selected GT World Challenge events and at Spa Classic, the series enjoys growing international exposure.

&gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://files.peterauto.fr/share/DEh7LO5UwNY4Ydyqs8JB" target="_blank">GT3 Revival Entry List</a>&nbsp;&lt;&lt;&lt;

<h2>Porsche Classic Cup</h2>

Porsche France and Peter Auto celebrate one of the marque&#39;s most iconic one-make championships: the Porsche Cup. The grid will feature legendary models that have shaped the history of the Porsche Cup, from the 944 Turbo Cup to the 996 GT3 Cup (996.2 generation), including the 964, 993 and first-generation 996. With performance levels remarkably close, these cars promise highly competitive racing.

&gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://files.peterauto.fr/share/KJOzN7hdbEF5WXlfRkIL" target="_blank">Porsche Classic Cup Entry List</a>&nbsp;&lt;&lt;&lt;

<h2>Berlinetta Challenge</h2>

Dedicated to historic Ferrari Challenge cars, the Berlinetta Challenge will bring together the Ferrari 348, 355, 360 and 430&mdash;four generations of V8 berlinettas that defined the Italian manufacturer&#39;s racing heritage throughout the 1990s and 2000s. Prepared in strict accordance with their original specifications, these cars will revive the spirit of the early Ferrari Challenge championships, where performance depended above all on driving talent and mechanical excellence.

&gt;&gt;&gt; <a href="https://files.peterauto.fr/share/subOzTok79daUnKLfE0A" target="_blank">Berlinetta Challenge Entry List</a>&nbsp;&lt;&lt;&lt;

<h2>Support Race Schedule</h2>

<h2>&nbsp;</h2>

Friday, 3 July 2026

09:20 &ndash; 10:05 &ndash; Porsche Classic Cup Qualifying 
10:20 &ndash; 10:55 &ndash; HSR NASCAR Classic by Goodyear Qualifying 
11:10 &ndash; 11:45 &ndash; GT3 Revival Qualifying 
12:00 &ndash; 12:45 &ndash; Berlinetta Challenge Qualifying 
18:22 &ndash; 18:57 &ndash; HSR NASCAR Classic by Goodyear Qualifying 
19:27 &ndash; 20:12 &ndash; Porsche Classic Cup Qualifying 
20:27 &ndash; 21:02 &ndash; GT3 Revival Qualifying 
21:17 &ndash; 22:02 &ndash; Berlinetta Challenge Qualifying

Saturday, 4 July 2026

09:20 &ndash; 10:10 &ndash; GT3 Revival Race 
11:20 &ndash; 12:05 &ndash; Porsche Classic Cup Race 
17:15 &ndash; 17:50 &ndash; HSR NASCAR Classic by Goodyear Race 
19:45 &ndash; 20:30 &ndash; Berlinetta Challenge Race

Sunday, 5 July 2026

10:24 &ndash; 10:59 &ndash; HSR NASCAR Classic by Goodyear Race 
14:14 &ndash; 15:07 &ndash; GT3 Revival Race 
15:24 &ndash; 15:59 &ndash; HSR NASCAR Classic by Goodyear Race

&nbsp;

Book your tickets for Le Mans Classic Legend through the event&#39;s <a href="https://www.lemansclassic.com/en/ticketing/" target="_blank">official ticketing</a>.

Discover the Support Races at Le Mans Classic Legend 2026

The #13 Courage C52 Nissan returns to the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans during Le Mans Classic Legend (2–5 July 2026). Spectators will be transported back in time to one of the most fascinating races in 24 Hours of Le Mans history thanks to the LMP class prototype.

Le Mans Classic Legend sees the past of the 24 Hours of Le Mans through today&rsquo;s eyes. The #13 Courage C52 Nissan will take pride of place among the Grid 8 GTs and prototypes (1994&ndash;99). A symbol of French endurance racing savoir-faire, the car that was a star of the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans symbolises a time when worldclass manufacturers and passionate independent carmakers shared a playground.

<h2>Happy times at Courage Comp&eacute;tition</h2>

At the end of the nineties, the 24 Hours of Le Mans was particularly vibrant. BMW, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, Nissan and <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/le-mans-classic-legend-the-panoz-lmp-1-roadster-s-from-the-1999-24-hours-is-back-60850">Panoz</a> all invested massively in endurance racing. Amid the big-name manufacturers, Courage Comp&eacute;tition promoted a different vision of the discipline.

Introduced for the 1999 season, the Courage C52 Nissan was the result of a collaboration between Yves Courage and Nissan. With a particularly finely-tuned V8 twin-turbo Nissan engine and a sleek chassis, it stood out for its elegance, reliability and efficiency.

At the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans, the #13 driven by Alex Caffi, Andrea Montermini and Domenico Schiattarella (three Italian Formula One drivers) achieved a remarkable sixth place overall. The result confirmed that Courage Comp&eacute;tition was well and truly in the same league as manufacturers with much more financial sway and remains one of the highlights of the local constructor&rsquo;s history.

<h2>Grid 8, the reflection of a spectacular decade</h2>

For the C52, Le Mans Classic Legend is like racing in your back yard. Grid 8 is composed of cars that took part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1994 and 1999, a period considered to be one of the richest in the race&rsquo;s modern era.

Sophisticated prototypes ran alongside legendary GTs. The period saw the emergence of new technology, prestigious manufacturers and memorable battles that sparked passion among motorsport fans.

On track this weekend, the roar of engines, the characteristic shape of turn-of-the-century prototypes and flamboyant demonstrations will give spectators a taste of past 24 Hours of Le Mans.

This is a rare opportunity. It&rsquo;s not every day you see the #13 Courage C52 Nissan return to the circuit where it made history.

<a href="https://www.lemansclassic.com/en/ticketing/">Book your tickets for Le Mans Classic Legend now!</a>

Le Mans Classic Legend – The Courage C52 Nissan out on track

24 Heures du Mans 1930

The duo crossed the finish line in seventh place overall,&nbsp;second in its class, and returned the following year with the same car (disqualified). In 1932, Odette Siko -&nbsp;who would be at the start four times in all - achieved&nbsp;the best&nbsp;performance for a woman to-date at Le&nbsp;Mans, finishing fourth overall and winning her class with&nbsp;Louis Charavel, alias Sabipa, in an&nbsp;Alfa Romeo&hellip;

Photo: Copyright -&nbsp;Archives/ACO

Today's Photo Story - Marguerite Mareuse and Odette Siko, first women at Le Mans in 1930

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4 hours of Imola: a clash that could reshape the ELMS season

Discover the Support Races at Le Mans Classic Legend 2026

Le Mans Classic Legend – The Courage C52 Nissan out on track

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