Selection of competitors

Photo : Arnaud CORNILLEAU - ACO/Nikon

The selection process of the entrants chosen for the 2012 Le Mans 24 Hours was spread out over several major rendezvous.

• At the end of the 2011 season on 13th November with the Zhuhai 6 Hours (CHI), those invited were already known taking into account their 2011 results in the Le Mans 24 Hours (4 invitations), at the end of the ALMS (4 invitations) and LMS (9 invitations) Championships, the Petit Le Mans (4 invitations) and the Michelin Green X Challenge (4 invitations).
• Entries opened on 19th December when all teams that were potential candidates could send in their forms to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest.
• Closing date for entries was midnight 31th January 2012. 
• The list was finalized on 1st February 2012 with 15 LM P1s, 18 LM P2s, 9 LM GTE Pros, 13 LM GTE AMs and the car in the 56th pit.
• It was made public on 2nd February 2012.  

Vincent Beaumesnil, the ACO Sports Manager: “Once again the field for the 2012 Le Mans 24 hours is of an exceptional level. All fifty-six cars selected are top-class quality contenders from a technical and sporting point of view. This year the predominance of LM P1 and LM P2 prototypes should be underlined, in particular the latter. The regulations, which cap costs in this category, have resulted in a raft of entries from manufacturers and private teams in almost equal measure. Like the ILMC in 2011, the FIA World Endurance Championship is a real driving force behind the entries for the Le Mans 24 Hours. To race in the world championship, first of all you have to compete at Le Mans! The homogeneity of the field already points to an 80th Le Mans 24 Hours that will be more exciting than ever.”

Note that two lists of reserves for a total of nine cars have been drawn up: one in LM P (five cars) and one in LM GT (four cars). 

Photo: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TEST DAY, 24th APRIL 2011: Rebellion Lola Toyota LM P1 #13