Introducing the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans
A movie-style poster and an expectant audience
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24h Le Mans
On January 16, 1947, Vincent Auriol became the first president of the Fourth Republic. One June 25, 1949, Vincent Auriol served as honorary president at the first edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans after World War II, won by Ferrari thanks to Lord Selsdon and Luigi Chinetti.
As many as 83,000 spectators attended the renaissance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and witnessed the stunning exploit of Luigi Chinetti, who despite crippling heat, drove for…23 hours! Though there were big guns at the start, the "little" 2-liter, V12 Ferrari 166 crossed the finish line in first plac!
Photo (Copyright - Archives/ACO): President Vincent Auriol is welcomed at the 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans.