Its famed Mulsanne Straight and two chicanes are internationally renowned. When night falls, it becomes a challenge for every driver.
Much more than a prize, it is a symbol of recognition. The 24 Hours of Le Mans trophy allows its victors to enter the annals of racing history. For a quarter of a century, Rolex has been a major partner of this event, the oldest endurance race in motor sport.
The call of endurance
All teams share a single objective: to cover the greatest distance in exactly 24 hours. Inaugurated in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the most famous endurance race in the world.
Every champion, including those who excel in speed-based competitions, dreams of one day taking on the challenge of this legendary race. It is a stern test of machine reliability as well as the physical and mental stamina of the driver.
A leading figure in motor sport and a long-standing Rolex Testimonee, Sir Jackie Stewart competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965. Legendary Hollywood star Paul Newman also rose to the challenge. The actor and veteran driver finished first in his class and second overall during his sole appearance in 1979. A legend in endurance racing, Tom Kristensen is known as Mr Le Mans for a career highlighted by his record nine overall victories – including six in a row – in the famed race.
The sun rises over the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Innovation through tradition
This unique sporting event was established to contribute to the technical development and growth of the automotive market.
In 1923, 33 teams of two drivers took part in the first 24 Hours of Le Mans race. In modern times, every June, more than 60 cars with three drivers compete at the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans in three categories – Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3. It is an opportunity for many of the largest manufacturers and private teams to showcase their technological expertise.
Rolex is the Exclusive Partner and Official Timekeeper of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with the 2026 edition of the race marking the 25th anniversary of this relationship.
Any finish at Le Mans is great but every time I was there, my mission was to win.
The quest for energy efficiency is another major challenge for the future of motor sport. Manufacturers use endurance competitions to test innovative solutions. Since 2022, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) have adopted a fully certified sustainable biofuel.
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), organizer of 24 Hours of Le Mans, is committed to achieving carbon neutrality by 2030. Through the Race to 2030 programme, the ACO is running the Mission H24 project. Its ambition is to create a category reserved for hydrogen-electric powered prototypes at Le Mans by 2028.
