The 93rd edition of the illustrious 24 Hours of Le Mans is gearing up to unveil a riveting Hyperpole format, introducing an exciting dynamic to the enduring race. This year, fans will also witness a new squad on the grid, making it an event filled with anticipation. Adding to the day’s prestige, a renowned sports legend will hold the distinguished role of the official race starter, bringing extra glamour to this iconic event. The endurance race is set to commence at 3 PM UK time on Saturday, June 14, with audiences able to catch all the thrilling moments live on TNT Sports and discovery+.
With every passing year, Le Mans continues to evolve, offering fans and teams something new to look forward to. Among the significant changes this year is the revamped Hyperpole format that directly influences the starting positions across the three race classes: Hypercar, LMP2, and LMGT3. Historically, all three classes participated in a single packed qualifying session on Wednesday. However, this year a fresh take has emerged, with qualifying being divided into two separate sessions. LMP2 and LMGT3 competitors will share a 30-minute qualifying session while Hypercars tackle the track independently.
The stakes are high this year as the top twelve cars from the LMP2 and LMGT3 classes in their respective qualifying sessions will advance to the new Hyperpole, where they will battle it out for prime grid placements. For Hypercar drivers, the top fifteen will progress to their own qualifying round. This year’s Hyperpole features two exciting sessions scheduled for Thursday, named H1 and H2. In these sessions, the slowest four contenders from both the LMP2 and LMGT3 categories will be eliminated, while five from the Hypercar session will also bow out. This creates an intense environment for both classes, as eight LMP2 and LMGT3 cars will continue to H2 for prime grid spots, alongside ten from the hypercar category.
The officials have tailored this new structure to enhance the overall spectator experience. As emphasized by the 24 Hours of Le Mans organizers, “Splitting Hyperpole into two consecutive sessions is designed to create a thrilling experience for the fans and test the teams’ nerve,” highlighting the heightened competitive edge introduced by the elimination format. The compressed time sessions of twenty and fifteen minutes also ensure a tense atmosphere where every moment counts, compelling drivers to adapt quickly to the dynamic track conditions, a critical skill for any endurance racer.
In an exciting return, Aston Martin will be represented at Le Mans with its striking Valkyrie Hypercar. Featuring a powerful V12 6.5-litre engine, it stands out as the only road-derivable hypercar in the race. Aston Martin is keen to end a nearly 64-year wait for a win at Le Mans after its triumphant run in 1959. The CEO of Aston Martin, Adrian Hallmark, underscored the significance of the Valkyrie’s debut, stating, “Le Mans is the pinnacle of endurance motorsport… It is only right that the Hypercar class… contains an Aston Martin.” Behind the wheel of the two Valkyrie cars will be talented drivers, including Harry Tincknell, Marco Sorensen, and others, each eager to make history.
Adding to the race’s excitement is tennis legend Roger Federer, who will have the unique honor of officially starting the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Known for his prowess on the tennis court, Federer expressed his enthusiasm about the event, saying, “It’s a huge honour to have been invited to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an iconic but extremely gruelling race.” Pierre Fillon, the president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, echoed this sentiment, stating, “His…human qualities…will further boost the appeal of this year’s race.”
For those following the race, a notable highlight is the debut of Jamie Chadwick, the three-time Formula W champion participating in the LMGT2 category with IDEC Sport. Recently celebrated for being the first woman to win a race in the European Le Mans Series, her debut at Le Mans has garnered considerable attention. Chadwick articulated the profound challenge posed by the race, emphasizing the teamwork required over the 24 hours of continuous racing. Alongside her, a select group of female racers, including the Iron Dames with all-female driver crew, will further celebrate diversity in motorsport.
Fans can catch every moment of this thrilling 24 Hours of Le Mans 2025 as it unfolds live in the UK on TNT Sports and discovery+, ensuring that this year’s race is one to remember.