The Hyperpole session at the Circuit de la Sarthe provided thrilling anticipation for the 92nd edition of the 24 Heures du Mans, coinciding with the race’s 101st anniversary. Over the storied history of the event, 143 drivers from 20 countries and 25 manufacturers from 7 nations have triumphed, highlighting the race’s global appeal.
Porsche, with an impressive 36 victories, leads the pack at Le Mans, poised to potentially secure their 37th win given their strong performance in this year’s Hyperpole. Audi, second with 15 victories, notably absent this year, adds to the dynamics of the competition.
The Hyperpole session, determining the starting positions for the top qualifiers, saw intense competition with less than seven tenths of a second separating the leading Hypercars. The BMW M Hybrid V8 #15 initially led, followed closely by Ferrari AF Corse before Sébastien Bourdais in the Cadillac #3 set a blistering pace.
Drama unfolded as Dries Vanthoor’s crash brought out a red flag, invalidating his times and relegating BMW W Team WRT to the bottom of the Hyperpole standings. Alessandro Pier Guidi capitalized in the Ferrari #51, securing P2, followed by Alex Lynn in the Cadillac #2 and Kévin Estre setting the session’s fastest lap for Porsche #6, claiming pole position.
In the Hyperpole LMP2 category, Pro/Am teams showcased competitive spirit, with Louis Delétraz for AO by TF and Job Van Uitert for IDEC Sport demonstrating strong performances amidst tight competition.
The debut of Hyperpole LMGT3 highlighted amateur drivers, with Inception Racing McLaren #70 initially leading until a setback for Iribe. Despite this, they maintained their advantage over Porsche Manthey PureRxcing, setting the stage for a competitive LMGT3 class.
As teams and drivers prepared for the main event with a day off on Friday, the atmosphere in Le Mans was festive with the iconic Drivers Parade, attended by over 200,000 spectators lining the streets. Amidst music and classic cars, the parade celebrated the tradition and excitement surrounding the legendary race.
The 92nd 24 Heures du Mans promises to deliver high-speed drama and endurance, as teams gear up for the ultimate test of skill and stamina at one of motorsport’s most prestigious events.
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