To honour Tom Kristensen, who will bring his career to a close on November 30th, each day we will revisit a story from his journey. Today the "charming British interlude" with Bentley in 2003.

The idea for M24 blossomed in 2022, when the ACO, represented by Pierre Fillon, and the company Richard Mille formed a joint venture named MACO. A huge building project began, involving the renovation of the existing site and an extension designed by architect Frédéric Audevard. One of the main challenges was to complete the work in less than a year, in time for the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.

<h2>Renewal and extension: a colossal undertaking</h2>

M24 is composed of two parts: the initial building dating from 1961, which has been entirely renovated, and the extension designed by Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Audevard, which brings the new exhibition area to a total of 8,600 m&sup2;.

The extension required a wide array of experts to work side by side in harmony. The 24 Hours of Le Mans museum remained open to the public until the end of the 2025 Le Mans Classic in early July and M24 is scheduled to open before the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Philippe Moran&ccedil;ais and the company CMB oversaw the project. No less than 14 different trades and 23 companies &ndash; most of them located in the region &ndash; were involved in the project destined to contribute to the local economy.

<h4>Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Audevard / Architect, Audevard Architecture</h4>

&ldquo;M24 boasts a strong architectural character, inspired by the aerodynamics, speed and adrenaline at play in motor racing, and in particular the prototypes on the grid of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Continuous strokes and taught shapes resemble racing lines. Inside, the flow of visitors advances smoothly, like the air around a race car. Not only does this building house high-performance objects, it embodies them.

Precisely managed natural light accompanies visitors throughout the museum, illuminating the exhibits cleanly and effectively. Technology is replaced by an immersive scenography, where architecture combines with content to heighten emotions.

M24 meets the strictest environmental standards. The project includes a green roof designed to manage varying amounts of rainwater thanks to harvesting and drainage. The building materials &ndash; such as aluminium, which is lightweight, durable and recyclable &ndash; were selected for sustainability and responsibility.

Respectful of its environment, M24 establishes a dialogue with the surrounding landscape. This approach is in line with the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest&rsquo;s ambitious CSR strategy, a vision where architectural innovation, environmental responsibility and sporting heritage come together.&rdquo;

<h2>Immersive museography</h2>

The Immersers, a scenography company based in Nantes, have orchestrated the collections with a type of museography new to the automotive world with the goal of drawing visitors into the narrative. Rapha&euml;l Daguet and his team take immersion seriously. They don&rsquo;t design museum tours, they take visitors into another world.

<h4>Rapha&euml;l Daguet / Scenographer, The Immersers</h4>

&quot;In 2021, the ACO and Richard Mille asked us to help them design M24 &ndash; Museum of motorsport. We took on the collective project in true entrepreneurial spirit, embracing both the opportunities and the risks involved. Each party had its own vision: the ACO which saw Le Mans turn a craft into an industry and then an art form; Richard Mille, who always seeks the very best setting to show off a jewel; Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Audevard, who designed the setting &ndash; the place, the volumes, the functionality; and us, The Immersers, whose role was to articulate the pieces, and bring the place to life. Our method is a narrative one. We draft and present a story that takes visitors on a journey through time, using technology as a means, not an end. To tell a story, you first need to gather people around a narrator. We are a collective of designers and architects who create spellbinding experiences.

In that sense, M24 is a journey. The cars displayed pay us the honour of stopping by to give us a glimpse of their lives as champions. We meet their drivers, their mechanics &ndash; our fellow enthusiasts. The narration takes place over a weekend, between 1923 and 2026 and relates the history of racing and of the race. Visitors wander between eras, from the scrutineering sessions in the city, when the 24 Hours of Le Mans encounters the public, to the finish, taking in all the landmark moments along the way.

The dual temporality creates the immersion. Visitors live the legend. The journey includes a materials library inviting us to touch steering wheels and firesuits. Other immersive moments include the life-size diorama depicting actual scenes, and the nighttime experience, which uses technology to travel between decades. 
The introspective experience takes place in a specially-designed room, flanked by three gigantic (30 m x 6 m) abstract murals inspired by Pierre Soulages, suggesting that race cars have become works of art.

M24 is probably the most theatrical of automotive museums. Of course, it is difficult to imagine displaying such huge works. A car is very different from a painting. We set out to create time capsules, excerpts of life &ndash; with drivers, teams and fans &ndash; to generate emotion, feelings, and a true sense of history. We are proud to have given ourselves the means to achieve that ambitious goal.&quot;

M24 – Museum of Motorsport: ambitious architecture and museography

M24 will open its doors at 10 a.m. on 28 May 2026. The new museum located at the main entrance to the Le Mans circuit harbours hundreds of magnificent tales of racing, plunging visitors into the world of motorsport.

Keeping a legend alive involves important restoration work. The Bentley 3 Litre, the car that covered the longest distance at the second 24 Hours of Le Mans is the oldest winner of the race still around to tell the tale! An automotive masterpiece, the car is currently being restored by Vintage Bentley in the United Kingdom and will soon take pride of place at M24.

<h2>The tale of the Bentley 3 Litre</h2>

The 24 Hours of Le Mans was an international event from the outset. In 1924, Briton Frank Clement and Canadian John Duff entered a specially-prepared Bentley 3 Litre. The nailbiting race was marked by a head-to-head between Bentley and Lorraine-Dietrich, and marred by sabotage: a part was hammered into one of the Bentley&rsquo;s rear wheels to prevent its removal. Despite losing half an hour in the garage in vain attempts to change the wheel, Bentley won the race. The incredible victory cemented the event&rsquo;s popularity in the United Kingdom and beyond, and sparked the formation of the group later known as the <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-of-le-mans-centenary-1924-1930-the-one-of-a-kind-bentley-boys-56863">Bentley Boys</a>. The actual Le Mans-winning 1924 Bentley 3 Litre, complete with its original engine, chassis, radiator and axle, will soon be on display at M24.

<h2>A huge project</h2>

Such a gem deserves to be displayed at its best. So, before becoming one of the star pieces in the M24 collection, a renovation was in order. In 2023, the Bentley 3 Litre made the trip from Brooklands to Le Mans to celebrate the centenary of the race. The decision to conduct the restoration was taken on that occasion. Such an undertaking required thorough investigation. The chassis and the mechanics have been overhauled, and the bodywork, which was damaged, has been rebuilt.

William Medcalf of the Vintage Bentley workshop: &ldquo;We have restored several classic Bentleys of historic importance, so we were delighted when Fabrice Bourrigaud, ACO director of Culture &amp; Heritage asked us to examine John Duff&rsquo;s 1924 Le-Mans winning #8 Bentley 3 Litre (XT1606). For the very first time, 100 years of family history and official archives were scrutinised, casting new light on urban legends. We renovated the car to the exact state in which it appeared on the 1924 24 Hours of Le Mans starting grid, with all its imperfections and last-minute additions. The result is fascinating and questions the established narrative of Bentley&rsquo;s racing beginnings. The award-winning team at Vintage Bentley, based in West Sussex, UK, is very proud of its finished work.&rdquo;

The difficulty resided in obtaining the necessary records to piece together the past. A huge amount of research was conducted to ensure that all the car&#39;s parts were genuine. A former officer was hired to trace all the owners of the car and collect information on John F.Duff and Frank Clement. All sorts of documents turned up: including the original ownership papers and lost photos. Thanks to the precious finds, the renovators were able to establish that the bodywork was not that of 1924. It was therefore rebuilt in aluminium, to achieve the goal of restoring the car to its original state. The wood panelling and leatherwork were also reproduced &ndash; a massive project in itself! In all, Vintage Bentley spent some 3,700 hours on the renovation. Not content with being a backdrop for masterpieces, M24 &ndash; Museum of Motorsport breathes new life into them.

<a href="https://www.lemans.org/en/news/aco/the-m24-motor-sport-museum-ticketing-is-now-open-60514" target="_blank">The museum ticket office is open for bookings now.</a>&nbsp;

Treasures of M24: the 1924 Bentley 3 Litre, restored glory

With the 94th 24 Hours of Le Mans just around the corner, it is time for the Automobile Club de l’Ouest to announce details of the Race Week programme. On the bill this year, international competitions, activities for racegoers and big-name musicians. Once again, Le Mans is ready to make 24 Hours last ten days.

<h2>THE FUN BEGINS ON FRIDAY 5 JUNE</h2>

The city-centre scrutineering sessions mark the beginning of the festivities. All teams, cars and drivers are required to attend. Compliance with regulations is checked and competitors are cleared to take their spot on the grid. The checks continue on Saturday morning and conclude with a selection of cars parading through the streets of the city.

Sunday is Test Day. Beside seeing the cars put through their paces on track for the first time, spectators will witness the first of four support races: the Ligier European Series.

<h2>FAN DAY</h2>

Tuesday 9 June is &ldquo;meet and greet&rdquo; day. Spectators will have the opportunity to peek behind the scenes in the pit lane, support their favourite team in the Pit Stop challenge and chat with drivers during the pit lane&nbsp;autograph sessions.

Meanwhile, in the ACO H2 Hydrogen and Manufacturers villages, visitors are introduced to the latest technological innovations before sampling the activities on offer in the Fan Zones and kids&rsquo; areas.

<h2>THINGS GET SERIOUS</h2>

Tension mounts on Wednesday when the free practice and qualifying sessions take place. The various support races &ndash; Ferrari Challenge, Porsche Carrera Cup Brasil and Road to Le Mans &ndash; add to the excitement.

At sundown, drivers reset their bearings as they head into the night for their first taste of the circuit after dark. Then comes the first qualifying period followed by live music from Mathilda, and Jean-Louis Aubert.

Thursday is a key moment in the build-up to the race with the second qualifying period and Hyperpole which determines the starting order for the big day. Spectators can also look forward to more support fixtures, and another superb evening of live music, with DJ Loran and Dorrr followed by The Libertines.

<h2>SPECTATORS WALK THE CIRCUIT AND RACERS TAKE TO THE STREETS</h2>

Road To Le Mans now takes the shape of a three-hour endurance race, set to be held on Friday morning. Afterwards, visitors are welcome to explore the track on foot, or by bike. Then, the city centre becomes the focus of attention once more as locals and fans from far and wide line the streets for the traditional Drivers&rsquo; Parade hosted by Classic Automotive.

Later, back at the track, Michel Hubert, Upsilone and Robin Schulz take turns on the concert stage to round off the day&rsquo;s festivities.

<h2>THE BIG DAY: THE START OF THE 24 HOURS OF LE MANS</h2>

On Saturday 13 June, the week reaches a high point. The day begins with the support races, followed by the warm-up session. Then comes the countdown to the starting ceremony, when tension peaks.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans starts at 16:00.

Magic System and Mosimann provide the evening&rsquo;s musical entertainment, and the big day ends with the ever-spectacular 24 Hours of Le Mans Show.

<h2>IT&rsquo;S ALL OVER FOR ANOTHER YEAR</h2>

At 16:00 on Sunday 14 June the chequered flag will signal the finish of the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans. The emotional podium ceremonies conclude ten days of fervour and fun.

Spectators can take in the whole spectrum of the event, both on track and at M24 &ndash; Museum of motorsport, the ACO H2 Hydrogen Village, the Fan Zones and kids&rsquo; areas. At Le Mans, entertainment is round-the-clock.

Ready to roll? Then book one of the last few Wednesday/Thursday practice and qualifying tickets now to enjoy grandstand viewing, spectator zones and trackside entertainment. Join us on Wednesday for a&nbsp; relaxed experience. Smaller crowds mean better views, shorter queues and more time to take in everything on offer at the circuit. Get into the Le Mans spirit before the race starts!

Head to <a href="https://ticket.24h-lemans.com" target="_blank">https://ticket.24h-lemans.com</a> for tickets, from just &euro;23*!

For the optimum race experience, book an all-inclusive package with hospitality facility access and an unrivalled view of the track. What can you expect? Excellent quality of service, catering and exclusive activities managed by a dedicated team. See <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/hospitality/vip" target="_blank">https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/hospitality/vip</a> for full terms and conditions.

*Price per person for a student or person with a disability on Wednesday (proof of status required). Valid on Tuesday 9 June (14:00&ndash;22:00) and Wednesday 10 June 2026 (09:00&ndash;midnight). Free admission for under-sixteens (born after 14 June 2010) accompanied by a paying adult.

A host of activities for a thrilling experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 4 Hours of Le Castellet, second round of the 2026 European Le Mans Series, is this coming weekend! Find out who is favoured to win each of the four categories.

The starting grid at this year&#39;s&nbsp;4 Hours of Le&nbsp;Castellet boasts 140 drivers and 47 cars: 11 LMP2s, 12 LMP2 Pro/Ams, 10&nbsp;LMP3s and&nbsp;14&nbsp;LMGT3s. Eight teams and 28 French drivers are set to&nbsp;take the track on their home turf.

Check out the 4 Hours of Le Castellet&nbsp;<a href="https://www.fiawec.com/umbrella_media/2026-elms-4-hours-of-le-castellet-entry-list-v1-69e87bab2caa1091057005.pdf" target="_blank">entry list</a>.

<h2>Forestier Racing by Panis the one to beat</h2>

On the heels of victory at the 4 Hours of Barcelona&nbsp;earlier this month,&nbsp;Forestier Racing by Panis&#39; #29 ORECA&nbsp;07-Gibson tops the ELMS overall standings. Defending LMP2&nbsp;champions&nbsp;Esteban Masson and&nbsp;Oliver Gray will team up with Louis Rousset for this race. The French outfit, fielding two cars, is trailed by&nbsp;Inter Europol Competition, the LMP2 winner at last year&#39;s 24 Hours. The&nbsp;#43 will be shared by&nbsp;Tom Dillmann, Jakub Smiechowski and Luca Ghiotto (filling in for&nbsp;Nick Yelloly as he honours&nbsp;a commitment in the U.S.). The&nbsp;#34 will be driven by the second place finishers in Spain, Reshad de Gerus (4 Hours of Barcelona pole-sitter) and&nbsp;Bijoy Garg.&nbsp;

Algarve Pro Racing&#39;s #20 ORECA&nbsp;07-Gibson claimed the top step on the LMP2 Pro/Am podium at the Barcelona round. Danish drivers Michael Jensen and&nbsp;Malthe Jakobsen, along with Italian teammate&nbsp;Enzo Trulli, are heading into the 4 Hours of Le&nbsp;Castellet leading the championship.

AF Corse&#39;s #83 ORECA finshed second in the&nbsp;class in Spain. Previous&nbsp;ELMS LMP2 Pro/Am champions&nbsp;Fran&ccedil;ois Perrodo and&nbsp;Matthieu Vaxivi&egrave;re&nbsp;will have home field advantage as they join forces with 2024 Le Mans winner&nbsp;Antonio Fuoco.

Duqueine Team finished third in Barcelona. Doriane Pin, just&nbsp;back&nbsp;from her Formula&nbsp;1 tests with&nbsp;Mercedes-AMG Petronas F1 Team, will reunite with Giorgio Roda and&nbsp;Richard Verschoor for the 4 Hours of Le Castellet.

Defending ELMS LMP2 champion&nbsp;Charles Milesi is expected to take the wheel of CLX Motorsports&#39; #47 ORECA&nbsp;along with Felipe Fraga and&nbsp;Georgios Kolovos.

Last year&#39;s&nbsp;LMP2 Pro/Am champion AO by TF is making a crew&nbsp;change: British driver Jonny Edgar will replace&nbsp;Louis Del&eacute;traz at the wheel of the #99 ORECA with PJ Hyett and&nbsp;Dane Cameron.

The highly competitive LMP3 class will see Rinaldi Racing&#39;s #5 Ligier-Toyota do&nbsp;its best to hold off&nbsp;R-ACE GP and&nbsp;Inter Europol Competition. Championship&nbsp;leaders&nbsp;Jos&eacute; Fernandes Cautela, Alvise Rodella and&nbsp;Mikkel Gaarde Pedersen are hoping the Le&nbsp;Castellet round will increase the&nbsp;lead they gained&nbsp;in Barcelona by&nbsp;the six points on the table this weekend.

<h2>Porsche pays tribute to its first 24 hours of Le Mans class win</h2>

The LMGT3 class is the most stacked in the 2026 European Le Mans Series,&nbsp;including&nbsp;the likes of Aston Martin, Corvette, Ferrari, McLaren, Mercedes-AMG and&nbsp;Porsche.

Proton Competition&#39;s #75&nbsp;Porsche 911 GT3 RLMGT3 (the 4 Hours of Barcelona winner)&nbsp;shared by American drivers&nbsp;Matt Kurzejewski and&nbsp;Tom Sargent, along with Austrian driver&nbsp;Richard Lietz, is currently topping the championship provisional classification.&nbsp;The&nbsp;car will sport&nbsp;a special livery celebrating the 75th anniversary of Porsche&#39;s first category win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1951.

Richard Mille AF Corse&#39;s #50&nbsp;Ferrari 296 LMGT3 Evo, the LMGT3 winner at the 2025&nbsp;4 Hours of Le&nbsp;Castellet, will see last year&#39;s winner&nbsp;Lilou Wadoux replace&nbsp;Francesco Castellacci and join forces with Custodio Toledo and&nbsp;Riccardo Agostini for her home race.

The start of the&nbsp;4 Hours of Le&nbsp;Castellet will be given&nbsp;this Sunday&nbsp;3 May at noon (local time). Free Practice 1 is scheduled for Friday&nbsp;1 May at&nbsp;11:50, followed by FP 2 at 10:10 and qualifying at&nbsp;15:10 on Saturday&nbsp;2 May.

Tickets (starting at&nbsp;&euro;10) are still available only at&nbsp;<a href="https://cpr.camatau.com/billetterie/events/173/shows/1104" target="_blank">circuitpaulricard.com</a>.

<h2>Watch the race live on the FIAWEC+ app</h2>

A true springboard for teams and drivers destined for&nbsp;the&nbsp;24 Hours of Le&nbsp;Mans, the European Le Mans Series is streamed live on the&nbsp;FIAWEC+ app (the official app of the&nbsp;ELMS) with full race broadcasts, replays&nbsp;and highlights throughout the season.

Stream all ELMS races free with an&nbsp;<a href="https://plus.fiawec.com/en" target="_blank">FIAWEC+</a>&nbsp;account.

ELMS – Top contenders in each class at upcoming 4 Hours of Le Castellet

<div class="donneesIPTC">
	<a href="/wpphpFichiers/1/1/ressources/Image/actualites/historique/2003/DRA-Bentley7-Equipage-Course.jpg" rel="prettyPhoto"><img alt="Hommage

24H LE MANS

Tribute to Tom – Tom Kristensen, the Dane as a "Bentley Boy!"

Related News

M24 – Museum of Motorsport: ambitious architecture and museography

Treasures of M24: the 1924 Bentley 3 Litre, restored glory

A host of activities for a thrilling experience at the 24 Hours of Le Mans

ELMS – Top contenders in each class at upcoming 4 Hours of Le Castellet

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