Leena Gade and Sam Hignett confirmed as special guest speakers at Le Mans

As the French summertime beckons once more, we are finalising our entertainment schedule for our guests at the 2026 Le Mans 24h.

We have organised the following speakers from the world of motorsport to appear on site and offer unique insights for our guests into the world of Endurance racing, as well as from behind the curtain of the legendary Le Mans 24h.

Sam Hignett

Sam Hignett is a British motorsport entrepreneur and former racing driver best known as the founder and director of JOTA Sport, a team that has become one of the most respected names in international endurance racing.

Under his leadership, JOTA evolved from a small privateer outfit into a powerhouse competing at the highest levels of the sport, including the FIA World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Beyond race results, Hignett is known for his strategic approach to partnerships, driver development, and long-term team building, helping position JOTA at the forefront of the modern Hypercar era.

Leena Gade

Leena Gade is a British race engineer who famously became the first female race engineer to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2011, a landmark achievement that established her as one of the most respected engineers in modern motorsport.

Gade rose to prominence through her work with Audi Sport Team Joest, where she played a pivotal role in multiple Le Mans victories, working closely with drivers to optimise performance, strategy, and reliability in one of the toughest races in the world.

Known for her calm decision-making under pressure and deep technical understanding, she has built a reputation as a leader capable of operating at the very highest level of endurance racing. Gade has also applied her expertise in the IndyCar Series and serves as an ambassador for the FIA Commission for Women in Motorsport.

Talks to be hosted by F1TV presenter Alex Brundle

Alex Brundle will be on hand to host the guest speakers at our Silver site in Le Mans on Thursday evening. Currently working with Formula 1 as part of their presenter line-up, Alex’s long history in WEC, as well as natural charisma, personal connections and passion for motorsport, make him the ideal candidate to host our guest speakers.

Son of Formula 1’s most notorious journalist, Martin Brundle, Alex has previously competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Most notably he finished second in the LMP2 category with Oak Racing in 2013.

Alex’s ease behind the wheel and microphone alike makes him a truly entertaining storyteller, who offers honest and in depth insights from within the world of motorsport.

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