Le Mans, France – The motorsport world is on edge as the 92nd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship, roars to life today at 16:00. This year, Zinedine Zidane, the football legend, will wave the French flag, signaling the start of what promises to be an epic 24-hour battle between automotive giants Ferrari, Toyota, Porsche, Cadillac, Peugeot, Alpine, Lamborghini, BMW, and Isotta Fraschini.
The Countdown to 16:00: Rituals and Warm-ups
The excitement builds as the race day rituals commence. Cars line up in their iconic diagonal formation, and a helicopter ceremoniously delivers the French flag. The atmosphere electrifies as the Marseillaise, the French national anthem, echoes through the stands, with the crowd joining in a patriotic chorus. The Patrouille de France, the country’s premier aerobatics team, adds to the spectacle with a breathtaking flypast.
In the minutes leading up to the race, drivers feel the adrenalin surge as the race director prepares to unleash the 62-car grid. Before the official start, a crucial 15-minute warm-up session allows teams to fine-tune their machines, ensuring they are primed for the day’s weather conditions.
Supporting Acts: Road to Le Mans and Concerts
The day kicks off at 10:00 with the second Road to Le Mans race, a key event in the 2024 Michelin Le Mans Cup. This support race features LMP3 and GT3 cars and runs until 10:55, setting the stage for the main event.
As the day progresses, music fans are in for a treat. From 20:00 to 23:55, the stage lights up with performances by No Money Kids and the legendary Simple Minds. With a career spanning over four decades and hits that have topped charts worldwide, Simple Minds bring their iconic sound to the Le Mans stage, making for an unforgettable evening.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Show: A Nighttime Extravaganza
As night falls, the excitement shifts gears with the 24 Hours of Le Mans Show from 23:20 to 00:30. Following the incredible success of last year’s Centenary event, the show returns with a fresh storyline focusing on the fierce rivalry between major manufacturers. Electro duo Synapson will provide the pulsating musical backdrop for this visual feast, which combines drones, lights, video projections, and pyrotechnics.
Saturday, June 15, 2024 – A Day to Remember
Here’s the full schedule for this action-packed day:
10:00-10:55: Race 2, Road to Le Mans
12:00-12:15: 24 Hours of Le Mans warm-up
13:35-15:00: Gridwalk
15:30-15:50: Official starting ceremony
16:00: Start of the 92nd 24 Hours of Le Mans
20:00-23:55: Concerts by No Money Kids and Simple Minds
23:20-00:30: 24 Hours of Le Mans Show
Today is not just about racing; it’s about the tradition, the spectacle, and the sheer thrill of Le Mans. Buckle up for an unforgettable 24 hours!
