WEC Talk – the official FIA World Endurance Championship podcast – is back! The fifth episode has landed just in time for the weekend and features three exclusive interviews with some of endurance racing’s biggest names.

During the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans race week, hydrogen took center stage. On track, in the village, and throughout the city, this energy carrier showcased its potential through spectacular demonstrations and real-world applications. From the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2 to the Alpenglow Hy6 reaching over 312 km/h, and from the hydrogen inspection bus to the hydrogen-powered aircraft, motorsport’s move toward decarbonization is clearly underway.

During the week-long event of the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans, hydrogen demonstrated to spectators its potential on the track and its various uses, already well established. On the track, the Le Mans circuit, the Le Mans airfield, and the streets of Le Mans were able to accommodate various hydrogen vehicles. This energy carrier, which will be introduced in competitions, in endurance racing, at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and in the FIA ​​World Endurance Championship starting in 2028, is one of the solutions for decarbonizing motor racing and mobility. 
 
In the ACO H2 village, racing prototypes were on display, as well as MissionH24, a collaborative program between the ACO and H24Project, as well as a TotalEnergies H2 station, which allowed the Alpenglow Hy6 and the Ligier Bosch JS2 RH2 to be refueled before their demonstrations on the legendary Sarthe circuit. Relive the 312.9 km/h of the Alpenglow Hy6 but also the official inspection of the track by hydrogen bus or the presentation of a hydrogen plane or the announcement of the MissionH24-Toyota Gazoo Racing partnership

MissionH24 - L'hydrogène en pistes aux 24 Heures du Mans 2025

Hydrogen on the Tracks at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans

Ferrari has just unveiled the 296 GT3 Evo – the upgraded version of its GT racing car. The new model will be unleashed in the LMGT3 class of the FIA World Endurance Championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, in 2026.

Three years after the introduction of the 296 GT3, Ferrari has presented a new and improved version: the 296 GT3 Evo. Ferrari has drawn on client feedback and the experience gained with the 296 LMGT3 in the FIA World Endurance Championship since 2024. The upgrade capitalises on an impressive track record of 140 victories, 405 podiums and 56 pole positions to offer customer teams an ever more competitive model that will be ready to take up the challenges of top-level endurance &ndash; especially the 2026 24 Hours of Le Mans.

<h2>Aerodynamics cut out for endurance</h2>

The twin-turbo V6 remains unchanged with the same 120&deg; hot-vee configuration. Unsurprisingly, as it guarantees excellent efficiency, linear torque delivery and tried-and-tested reliability. The engine remains in the same position as in the 296 GT3, further forward and lower down than on the road-going version. What is new, however, is a revised gear ratio cascade to offer better driveability at all engine speeds. On top of the mechanical upgrades, the aerodynamic package of the 296 GT3 Evo has been completely redeveloped to ensure more predictable stability in slipstream situations and more consistent downforce, notably through a redesigned rear diffuser, new vortex generators, a modified front end and a rear wing equipped with a quick adjustment system.

Progress has also been made on the aerodynamic efficiency of the 296 GT3 Evo thanks to a refined development methodology combining wind tunnel testing with CFD calculations. Performance was then checked through track tests in traffic conditions. The outcome is a more predictable car offering outstanding aerodynamic performance even in disturbed air, as is often encountered in endurance.

<h2>A car designed with clients in mind</h2>

The cockpit, designed for client racing drivers, retains its intuitive ergonomic characteristics while incorporating an enhanced air conditioning system &ndash; vital for 24-hour races. The front and rear suspension has been modified with the aim of reducing mechanical loads, improving reliability and ensuring a more uniform dynamic response between the front and rear axles.

In addition to the new air intakes in the front bonnet and the redesigned rear wing, the 296 GT3 Evo is drawing on the LMGT3 experience in the shape of the rear side panels and the modified rear-view mirrors for improved visibility and less vibration.

The Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo will make its racing debut in 2026. It will be homologated for the LMGT3 class of the FIA WEC, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and will be available as an upgrade kit for teams already competing with the 296 GT3.

Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo – Maranello’s new LMGT3 thoroughbred

Jamie Chadwick of IDEC Sport made an impression at her first 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite her solid, consistent racing, her car did not cross the finish line due to an incident in the 17th hour.

British driver Chadwick calmly displayed her regularity and good pace at the wheel of the #18 Oreca 07-Gibson she shared with three-time Le Mans winner Andr&eacute; Lotterer and young Frenchman Mathys Jaubert. An altogether promising start for the 27-year-old Briton. However, Sunday dawned with a stroke of bad luck for the IDEC Sport crew when the car lost a wheel.

<h2>A promising Le Mans d&eacute;but</h2>

Like most racing drivers, Chadwick had long dreamed of Le Mans. Her first taste of the race was with IDEC Sport in LMP2. She demonstrated her talent right from the moment she took the wheel. When she took over from Andr&eacute; Lotterer 6 hours into the race, she completed a clean, solid double stint, moving the car up to sixth place.

&ldquo;It was an incredible week, regardless of the outcome. It was a bit of a dream to be able to compete here, and we were having a really good race actually,&rdquo; said Chadwick. &ldquo;We&#39;ve lacked a bit of pace all week, so we didn&#39;t know if we would be in the fight for anything, especially after qualifying, but just had a really nice strategy, made no mistakes, and found ourselves in a good position, so it was all coming together quite nicely.&rdquo;

The number #18&rsquo;s adaptability and well-matched crew put the car among the leaders. Jaubert was even running in second place after 205 laps, proving that the French team was legitimate in setting its sights on a podium place. But the goal was set aside when, shortly after 8 am, Andr&eacute; Lotterer stopped the car on the edge of the track having lost the rear right wheel.

&ldquo;Just a bit bittersweet in many senses, so that was our race done. It would have been great to have finished it, but we learned a huge amount, and [I&rsquo;m] looking forward to what&#39;s next.&rdquo; added Chadwick who is <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/jamie-chadwick-intends-to-work-her-way-up-to-hypercar-59730">headed for&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/jamie-chadwick-intends-to-work-her-way-up-to-hypercar-59730">the Hypercar class with Genesis Magma Racing</a>.

<h2>A unique learning experience</h2>

Racing aside, Chadwick appreciated the magic of Le Mans to the full. &quot;This is why Le Mans is so special. I would describe it as one of the most special races in motorsport, but also one of the most special events in the sport. I think the history, the prestige, the spectacle of what you see... is incredible, and then you combine that with close, competitive racing that goes to the very end of 24 hours. It&#39;s like no other.&rdquo;

Won over by the atmosphere and the adoring crowds, she enthuses: &ldquo;There&#39;s such a huge fan base for this race, and it&#39;s almost a festival. British people that came down, especially just for this race, and it&#39;s not just about the race, it&#39;s about the whole week. It&#39;s about everything, the traditions. We have the scrutineering in the town. We have the parade on Friday and everything put together is what make it so special.&quot;

At 27, Chadwick has added a prestigious event to her already illustrious track record, especially in single-seater racing: in W series and Indy NXT (the stage before Indycar). Her first 24 Hours of Le Mans confirms her potential for success in endurance racing, despite the DNF. The Lotterer/Chadwick/Jaubert crew will be attempting to retain their lead in the European Le Mans Series in the third round, 3-6 July in Imola, Italy.

&nbsp;

24 Heures du Mans 2025 - JAMIE CHADWICK: MY FIRST LE MANS

Les premières 24 Heures du Mans de Jamie Chadwivck

2025 24 Hours of Le Mans: Jamie Chadwick stopped short by the wheel of misfortune

If you’re a fan of stats, read on! We have compiled some more facts and figures for you from the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans won by the AF Corse #83 Ferrari 499P.

<h2>20,009</h2>

The total number of laps completed by the competitors who saw the chequered flag at the end of the 93rd running of the legendary race. This represents approximately 272,473 km &ndash; 6.8 times the circumference of the world.

<h2>1,986</h2>

The number of marshals officiating at the race. All in all, 3,206 volunteers helped the event run smoothly.

<h2>1,901</h2>

The number of pit stops made during the race.

<h2>216</h2>

The number of cameras used to film and broadcast the event. No fewer than 148 of them were mounted inside the cars.

<h2>166</h2>

Robert Kubica was the driver who completed the greatest number of laps in this 93rd running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He was at the wheel for 166 of the 387 laps covered by the race-winning #83 Ferrari 499P. Conversely, Proton Competition driver Giammarco Levorato, in the #88 Ford Mustang LMGT3, spent the least time on track (two laps).

<h2>6</h2>

Six slow zones were triggered during the race. They accounted for an aggregate time of 33 minutes and 29 seconds. A slow zone is activated for the safety of the marshals or rescue crews who need to intervene on the track at any given time. An 80&nbsp;kph speed limit is introduced and overtaking is strictly forbidden in the slow zone.

<h2>1</h2>

Race Control called out the safety car on just one occasion during the race when the #24 Oreca 07-Gibson of Nielsen Racing went off into the tyre barrier. The intervention lasted 39 minutes and 21 seconds.

Check out <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/24-hours-of-le-mans-this-year-s-facts-and-figures-59794" target="_blank">other key facts and figures</a> from the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans.

More key facts and figures from the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans

The latest episode features an in-depth interview with the FIA WEC&rsquo;s highly-regarded race director, Eduardo Freitas. Having worked in the prestigious role since the WEC&rsquo;s inception back in 2012, Eduardo has been instrumental in the championship&rsquo;s success thanks to both his wisdom and direction.

He explains that safety is paramount: &ldquo;The key point of the equation is always the safety and then we build on that. [We must ask] is it safe to do it? Yes or no? No, then what can be done to make it safe? Basically, that is how the equation has to be managed. Safety, then the sporting regulations then the show. So, if something is jeopardising the safety then we need to stop.&rdquo;

Expert endurance racing commentator and WEC Talk host Martin Haven also chats to AF Corse&rsquo;s team manager Batti Pregliasco who discusses the challenges that the coronavirus pandemic has created in terms of logistics.

We also hear from 2017 WEC GTE World Champion and Ferrari AF Corse driver, James Calado who answers various fan-based questions including his most awkward moment in the WEC.&nbsp;

24H LE MANS

WEC Talk #5

Related News

Hydrogen on the Tracks at the 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans

Ferrari 296 GT3 Evo – Maranello’s new LMGT3 thoroughbred

2025 24 Hours of Le Mans: Jamie Chadwick stopped short by the wheel of misfortune

More key facts and figures from the 93rd 24 Hours of Le Mans

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