Le Mans 24 Hours 2013 Preview

So now we have the full 56 car entry for the 90th anniversary Le Mans 24 Hours – and once again there’s a hugely interesting mix.

Audi at Le Mans

The top LMP1 class will feature 5 factory entered hybrids, three Audis with their usual star-studded driver line up featuring a pair of very rapid Brits, Messrs McNish and Jarvis in the mix together with the defending Champions, Andre Lotterer, Benoit Treluyer and Marcel Fassler and, of course, Mr Le Mans, Tom Kristensen.

They’ll be faced down by a pair of screaming Toyotas, the Cologne based team back for another crack at the great race in 2013 that they led at the first attempt – Their 2013 effort will likely be faster still, and rather more reliable too – This will be a 24 Hour sprint for sure!

Chasing the factory cars hard will be a trio of UK based privateers from Strakka (Honda) and Rebellion (Lola Toyota), both teams keen to pressure the factory cars into trouble.

LMP2 sees an astonishing 22 car entry with plenty of variety in the chassis and engine departments though Nissan dominates on the power front, the Nissan V8 powers 17 of the 22 car entry.

And there are entries from right around the world, KCMG from the newly established Asian Le Mans Series, Starworksand Level 5 from the USA, HVM Status as an Anglo Canadian effort Greaves, Delta ADR and Jota Sport from the UK, Murphy Prototypes from Ireland and a gaggle of European entries too including a pair of brand new Lotus Coupes fielded by the ex F1 Kodewa squad.

Aston Martin Racing at Le Mans

In the GT ranks there is plenty to savour too with the European debut of the ‘big banger’ V10 Vipers from SRT Racing, no fewer than four of the fabulously rorty Aston Martin Vantage GTEs from the factory team as they celebrate the marques centenary and the return to Le Mans for the first time since 1998 of a Porsche Factory team with a pair of brand new ‘991’ 911s.

Add in more than a smattering of Ferraris (there are no fewer than ten on the list), and a quartet of Corvettes and there will be plenty of sound and fury to keep the trackside party awake!

No fewer than 32 of the 56 car grid will also be competing at Le Mans for a double points score in the FIA World Endurance Championship so there’s even more prospect of close competition throughout the 24 hours than usual.

Download the full Le Mans 2013 entry list here.

For those that like to keep close tabs on the race there’s good news too – Radio Le Mans will be back of course but their efforts will be supplemented by a brand new position display tower at the pit exit, sponsored by Michelin and a valuable addition to spectator facilities.

A great atmosphere is guaranteed of course and there are likely to be battles royal in every class – Better get booked up sooner than later then because with a grid this good there’s likely to be plenty of demand.

If you haven’t yet booked for Le Mans 2013 then there is still time to get your tickets, camping & travel sorted. Call Travel Destinations now on 0844 873 0203 to book your place at the 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Graham Goodwin
Dailysportscar.com