Ferrari in 2009, Porsche in 2010, Corvette in 2011 ... The GTE Pro category remains the preserve of sports car manufacturers. The link between the track and the road is clear.

The GT cars are part of the tradition of Le Mans 24 Hours ... and for good reason, at its inception in 1923, the event hosted mostly road cars. Reintroduced in 1993, the GT class ensures a spectacular grid of cars on track and can sometimes spring big surprises as in 1995 race when a derivative of the McLaren F1 sportscar won overall victory.

To be homologated, a GTE (E for Endurance) must be from a road car with a production of 100 (25 for a "small manufacturer", 300 for a carbon fibre chassis). The 'race' version retains the shape as the road car from which it originated. The engine must retain its location, its orientation, however, it must be derived from for cars with a production of at least 2,500 for 12 consecutive months.

The suffix "Pro" means the class reserved for professionals. Often, cars are officially entered or supported by their manufacturers. No restriction is imposed on drivers, and crews may consist of three drivers of 'Platinum' (internationally renowned) status.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION (LM GTE regulations) :

LM GTE Pro Entry List for Le MANS 24 HOURS 2012 :

51	AF CORSE		FERRARI 458 ITALIA
59	LUXURY RACING		FERRARI 458 ITALIA
66	JMW MOTORSPORT		FERRARI 458 ITALIA
71	AF CORSE		FERRARI 458 ITALIA
73	CORVETTE RACING		CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 ZR1
74	CORVETTE RACING		CHEVROLET CORVETTE C6 ZR1
77	TEAM FELBERMAYR-PROTON		PORSCHE 911 RSR (997)
80	FLYING LIZARD MOTORSPORTS		PORSCHE 911 RSR (997)
97	ASTON MARTIN RACING		ASTON MARTIN VANTAGE V8

Ferrari 458 Italia	Porsche 911 RSR (997)
Chevrolet Corvette C6 ZR1	Aston Martin Vantage V8

Julien Hergault