Le Mans: A Celebration of Milestones in Motorsport History
In anticipation of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, we reflect on significant anniversaries that highlight the evolving landscape of endurance racing.
5th Anniversary (2020)
The 2020 event marked the first time Le Mans was held without fans due to COVID-19. The race concluded with the #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid clinching victory, signaling the end of the LMP1 era, which dominated since 2004.
10th Anniversary (2015)
Porsche secured its first win of three with the 919 Hybrid, thanks to drivers Nico Hulkenberg, Earl Bamber, and Nick Tandy. The race also featured the ill-fated Nissan GTR Nismo LMP1, which struggled significantly due to a lack of hybrid power.
15th Anniversary (2010)
Audi claimed a 1-2-3 finish with the R15 TDI Plus, a modified version affected by protests from Peugeot. Despite being heavily favored, Peugeot’s 908 HDI FAPs faltered due to mechanical issues.
20th Anniversary (2005)
Henri Pescarolo fielded two Pescarolo C60 Hybrids, but despite advantages in qualifying, misfortunes led to a second-place finish, overshadowed by Audi’s win with Marco Werner, JJ Lehto, and Tom Kristensen.
25th Anniversary (2000)
Audi’s second attempt at Le Mans culminated in a clean sweep of the podium with the R8, establishing a new benchmark in endurance racing standards.
30th Anniversary (1995)
The debut of the McLaren F1 GTR heralded a new era in GT racing, showcasing a BMW V12 engine. Not only did it represent innovation, but it also marked the first win for a Japanese driver, Masanori Sekiya.
35th Anniversary (1990)
Jaguar’s last victory came with the XJR-12, marking its seventh overall win in Le Mans history, driven by Price Cobb, Martin Brundle, and John Nielsen.
40th Anniversary (1985)
Jean Rondeau triumphed with the M379B, representing the last overall win for a car powered by a Ford-badged engine.
50th Anniversary (1975)
Gulf-Mirage secured victory with Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell, dominating over Ligier, which achieved its best-ever finish.
55th Anniversary (1970)
Porsche aims for its 20th overall win, recalling its first with the Salzburg 917K driven by Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood.
60th Anniversary (1965)
Ferrari’s victory with the 250 LM was a key moment, marking the brand’s resurgence before the onset of Ford’s dominance.
70th Anniversary (1955)
The dark day in Le Mans history witnessed a tragic disaster with the Mercedes-Benz accident, prompting significant safety reforms in motorsport.
90th Anniversary (1935)
Lagonda’s only overall win came alongside Aston Martin’s podium finish, a historical note as Lagonda would later merge into the famed manufacturer.
100th Anniversary (1925)
Lorraine-Dietrich claimed the inaugural victory, with André Rossignol marking his name in history as the first driver with multiple wins.
These milestones emphasize both the legacy of innovation and the continuous evolution of safety and technology in the storied race that is Le Mans.
