2025 marks the 93rd edition of the 24 hours of Le Mans, and 102 years of the race’s history. This year, 168 drivers will compete across 62 cars to win the world’s greatest endurance race.
An iconic race calls for an exceptional schedule of events, with several exciting activities happening away from the track before the race commences on Saturday 14th June at 16:00 CEST.
Within this schedule are a number of events that are new for 2025. In this article, we delve into what to expect in the week leading up to the jewel of endurance racing.
City Centre Procession – extra lap added!
Taking place on Saturday 7th June – a week before the start of the race – 30 cars, 19 of which are from the 2025 race line-up, will take part in a procession along a 2.1km route in Le Mans city centre.
Although this procession has taken place over the last two editions, this year an extra lap has been added, enabling fans multiple opportunities to see the cars at close quarters.
The route will begin from Place du Jet d’Eau, the fountain at the foot of the cathedral. For the thousands of onlookers present, it will provide them with a taste of what to expect from the drivers’ parade taking place six days later on Friday 13th June. You can avoid the crowds and book front row hospitality seats here.
Manufacturers’ Village and two new fan zones
The Manufacturers’ Village at Le Mans 24hr will feature a number of manufacturers taking part in the race, or ones that will be in the future. This includes a number of star-studded names, such as Toyota, Porsche, Mercedes-AMG and more. Fans will be afforded the opportunity to view spectacular exhibitions and purchase souvenirs and collectibles. Want to take a break? The village also offers some relaxation spots for you to take a pit stop!
With the two new fan zones at Tetre Rouge and Karting, fans are able to immerse themselves in the world of endurance racing. Head to the Karting fan zone to test yourself on the racing simulators and admire the vehicles on display, while the other new option at Tetre Rouge subjects fans to copious amounts of outdoor fun, with a laser game and a climbing wall. These two new fan zones are supplementing the more familiar options, with entertainment available at the Family and Concert fan zones, as well as Porte Est.
Both the Manufacturers’ Village and the two new fan zones will available from Tuesday 10th June.
A jam-packed Wednesday!
Wednesday 11th June is set to be a busy day in Le Mans, with loads of entertainment both on and off the track:
Mustang Challenge Support Race – Brought to Le Mans by Ford Performance, the event will consist of an optional round of the IMSA Mustang Challenge, with a select number of cars driven by suitably qualified drivers.
ACO H2 Hydrogen Village – Visitors to the ACO H2 Hydrogen Village can explore the H2 paddock, featuring a mobile hydrogen filling station and an impressive lineup of hydrogen prototypes, some of which will hit the track during Thursday and Saturday’s demo sessions.
MissionH24, the joint venture between the ACO and H24Project, will unveil the H24EVO, highlighting the future of hydrogen-powered transport – from bicycles and cars to motorbikes, boats, rockets, trucks, trains, and even planes.
The village opens Tuesday afternoon and welcomes guests from 10:00 AM to midnight, Wednesday through Sunday. A well-known sports personality, soon to be announced, will serve as the event’s on-site presenter. The official ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for late morning on Wednesday 11 June.
Hyperpole Qualification – The revamped Hyperpole format, now spanning two days, promises fans even more excitement. Following Free Practice 1, LMP2 and LMGT3 cars will now compete in a 30-minute qualifying session, with only the top 12 advancing to Hyperpole. The Hypercars then take to the track, with the top 15 securing their place in the final showdown.
Two Hyperpole sessions on Thursday
As a result of the change in format, two Hyperpole sessions will take place on Thursday 12th June.
Hyperpole 1 will see the 24 cars in LMP2 and LMGT race against the clock in a speedy 20-minute session, with the top 8 advancing to Hyperpole 2.
This format is also applicable to the Hypercar class, with the top 10 advancing to the final. Hyperpole 2 drivers will then have 15 minutes to claim the best grid slots.
You can view the full program for the 24 hours of Le Mans here.
Not yet booked for Le Mans 2025?
Now you’ve discovered all of the exciting additions for 2025, it’s your turn to experience the magic. Head over to our main Le Mans 24hr booking page and reserve your Le Mans package today.