The ACO, along with the Pays de la Loire Region, the Sarthe Department Council, the Mayor of Le Mans and the Prefect of Sarthe have announced the programme for race week of the centenary edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
In its centenary year, both the organisers and the civic authorities from Le Mans and the Pays de la Loire have gone to exceptional lengths to provide spectators with a week that will be truly memorable.
To begin the celebrations, a unique exhibition will be unveiled at the 24 Hours Museum on Thursday June 1 where 40 cars that have won or participated in the race will be on display. Technical checks and scrutineering will begin on Friday June 2 and continue into Saturday June 3 ahead of a big party in the town which will include a parade on the Avenue du Général Leclerc.
Test Day will run on Sunday June 4 with a Ligier European Series support race taking place on the same day.
Tuesday June 6 will be a day for the public to get involved with the pit lane being opened. For 2022, the drivers signing session will be held in the town in the late afternoon.
Track action gets underway on Wednesday June 7, commencing with support races in the morning followed by the first practice session and qualifying for the 24 Hours grid.
The Hyperpole shoot-out takes place on Thursday June 8, with the Bronze drivers qualifying the cars in the LMGTE Am category.
As is traditional, the Friday will be a day for spectators to enjoy the circuit. For 2022, the Drivers Parade will move from its usual evening slot to get underway at 2.00pm. The circuit will be open for the public to enjoy on foot or by bike or scooter. The day will finish at the circuit with a parade of famous cars from the history of Le Mans and a concert.
Following a packed support schedule, the main race gets underway at its traditional time of 4.00pm but the day will end with ‘Centenary Show’ with fireworks and drones.
President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest Pierre Fillon said: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is preparing to celebrate one hundred years of endurance, innovation but also passion. Hundreds of thousands of people come each year to experience an exceptional moment. A unique moment, a moment of emotions that is passed on from generation to generation.
“This race is deeply rooted in the local economic heritage and allows our territory to shine in the world. For this exceptional anniversary, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest is doing everything possible to offer spectators a unique and extraordinary experience.”
