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 step into the annals of racing history. Rolex is a major partner of this event, the oldest endurance race in motor sport.
Hertz Team Jota in the pit lane during the 2024 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The call of endurance
For all the teams, 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.
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 in three categories – Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3 – with three drivers taking turns behind the wheel, compete at the Circuit de la Sarthe. It is an opportunity for many of the largest manufacturers and private teams to showcase their technological expertise.
Since 2001, Rolex has been Exclusive Partner and Official Timekeeper of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
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.
