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Le Mans Legends

Le Mans Legendes

Le Mans Classic Legend is underway! On Thursday, the public had the chance to experience the atmosphere of this new event and, above all, to see the cars lined up in the paddocks. Whilst the first day was marked by entertainment and exhibitions, Friday was all about the on track action, with qualifying sessions for all the categories as well as support races.

From Thursday, the opening day of the village, spectators were able to soak up the event&rsquo;s unique atmosphere. The public had the chance to explore the exhibitions, such as the one held in honour of the famous engineer Gordon Murray, but also to relax whilst taking a trip back thirty years in time in the arcade zone, the scene of fierce competitions on pinball machines and other iconic fairground games. Film enthusiasts were already able to admire iconic cars from the silver screen in an exhibition featuring, amongst others, the Peugeot 406 from Taxi and the BMW 750iL driven by James Bond in Tomorrow Never Dies. Since Friday, the drive-in MK2 cinema is also open, screening timeless films with a motoring theme, such as C&rsquo;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous and Herbie Goes Bananas.

The M24 &ndash; Motorsport Museum is an unmissable stop on this year&rsquo;s Le Mans Classic Legend itinerary. This sanctuary dedicated to the history of all motorsports is open to the public every day, offering visitors a deeper understanding of the universe celebrated by Le Mans Classic Legend. Between activities and explorations, visitors find themselves searching for diecast models or rare finds in the bustling aisles of the village, pausing to enjoy a bite to eat at the many venues set up in the area.

The track opened to competitors in the first support races on Friday at 9.20 am. Following the parades by the various clubs gathered around the circuit, the entrants in the Porsche Classic Cup took part in their first practice session. This category brings together 30 Porsche Cup cars from different generations, ranging from front-engined Type 944 Turbo Cup from the late 1980s to Type 996 GT3 Cup 911s from the early 2000s. In the session, Mike and Andrew JORDAN, in the #10 2003 Porsche 996 GT3 Cup, came out on top, just ahead of Henrik BOLLERSLEV&rsquo;s #76 Porsche 996 GT3 Cup and the #25 Porsche 996 GT3 Cup driven by Piers MASARATI and Elliott MUMFORD.

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Next up was the GT3 Revival Series, which showcases GT3 cars 20 years after the category&rsquo;s inception. It was an opportunity to rediscover the iconic models that made this era legendary. J&eacute;r&ocirc;me POLICAND, with 13 appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans to his name, distinguished himself in the #87 Ferrari 458 GT3 Evo along with his teammate Jean-Luc BEAUBELIQUE. Will NUTHALL and Stephan JOEBSTL, in the #52 Ferrari 458 GT3 Evo, finished second, ahead of Heiko NEUMANN and his Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG GT3.

After this came the Berlinetta Challenge, a field comprising Ferrari Challenge cars from various generations, ranging from the 1993 348s to the 2011 458 Italia. The Ferrari Challenge championship, which was in fact created in 1993, is a one-make series that is now successful all over the world, with series in the United Kingdom, Europe, North America, Japan, and Australia/South-East Asia. Joe MACARI, drawing on his experience from two appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, set the fastest time in the qualifying session in his #12 2006 Ferrari F430 Challenge, ahead of Olivier MARKARIAN in his #42 2011 Ferrari 458 Italia Challenge and Jan BOT in a #355 1996 Ferrari F355 Challenge.

The first qualifying sessions for categories 6 to 10 began at 1.00 pm and concluded at 5.40 pm. These grids cover the bulk of modern endurance racing, with cars ranging from 1972 to 2020.

Here are the first qualifiers in each of the six categories:

<ul>
	<li>Grid 6 &ndash; cars from 1972 to 1984 &ndash; 1976 TOJ SC304 #22 (MILLE/SCEMAMA)</li>
	<li>Grid 7 &ndash; cars from 1982 to 1993 &ndash; 1990 Nissan R90CK #1 (GALANT)</li>
	<li>Grid 8 &ndash; cars from 1994 to 1999 &ndash; 1999 Panoz LMP1-Roadster S #1 (GALANT)</li>
	<li>Grid 9 &ndash; cars from 2000 to 2010 &ndash; 2002 Ascari KZR-1 #21 (HANCOCK/HART)</li>
	<li>Grid 10 &ndash; cars from 2006 to 2020 &ndash; 2008 Lola Aston Martn DBR1-2 #008 (ALBRECHT)</li>
</ul>

Several parades left their mark on this year&rsquo;s Le Mans Classic Legend. At 2 pm on Friday, the Mazda 787B made its appearance. As the first Japanese car to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991, this car went down in history for its looks, its track record, but also &ndash; and above all &ndash; its distinctive sound: its rotary engine gives it a sound unlike any other, which no enthusiast could fail to notice as it passed by. At 7 pm, it was the turn of the Porsche 917s. Created in two versions (K for &lsquo;short&rsquo; and LH for &lsquo;long tail&rsquo;), the 917 won two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1970 and 1971 &ndash; Porsche&rsquo;s first two overall victories. This parade showcased various 917s on display in Village 5, offering spectators a truly memorable moment.

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Alongside the action on the track, two concerts will set the tone for the night in Le Mans starting this evening at 8 pm. Contrec&oelig;ur (8 pm), Polo &amp; Pan (10:30 pm) and &Eacute;tienne de Cr&eacute;cy (midnight) will perform on the main stage to keep the party going late into the night.

The second qualifying sessions will continue until 2 am. This gives the drivers the chance to get used to the darkness at Le Mans, which has also helped make the 24 Hours a legendary event. Action will resume on Saturday at 8 am with the club practice sessions; the day will, of course, be marked by the grand start of the Le Mans Classic Legend, which takes place at 4 pm.

Follow the festivities from this special edition on live and on video on the Peter Auto YouTube channel on Saturday and Sunday starting at 9 a.m.!

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A look bacj at Thursday and Friday at Le Mans Classic Legend

The 2027 Michelin Le Mans Cup calendar will once again feature the same six iconic circuits that hosted an event in 2025 and 2026, with an earlier start to the season in March. All of the races, with the exception of the Road To Le Mans in June, will be part of the highly popular European Le Mans Series package.

The 2027 Michelin Le Mans Cup calendar will once again feature the same six iconic circuits that hosted an event in 2025 and 2026, with an earlier start to the season in March. All of the races, with the exception of the Road To Le Mans in June, will be part of the highly popular European Le Mans Series package.

The six-round series will begin in Barcelona, with the Collective Test on March 10th, one month earlier than in 2026, followed by Round 1 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on Saturday 13th March.

Le Castellet will once again be the final test before Le Mans, with Round 2 on Saturday 1st May. In a change from the last two years, the chicane on the Mistral Straight will be removed in 2027 allowing the competitors to face the challenge of the full 1.8km straight for the first time since 2024.

After the successful introduction of a 3-hour race on the full 13.6km Circuit des 24 Heures in 2026, the 2027 Road To Le Mans, which is the highlight of the season, will follow the same format. Round 3 of the MLMC will be held on Friday 11th June, one day before the 95th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

After Le Mans there is a two-month break, with the MLMC returning in August for Round 4 at Spa-Francorchamps on Saturday 21 August. After the first ever Michelin Le Mans Cup race was held in the UK at Silverstone in 2025, the series will once again return to the Home of British Motorsport on Saturday 4th September.

The 2027 season will mark the 10th anniversary of the first MLMC race held at the Aut&oacute;dromo Internacional do Algarve, with the season finale being held on Saturday 2nd October.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest: &quot;In 2027, the Michelin Le Mans Cup will continue its development with a calendar featuring six iconic European circuits, once again providing an exceptional stage for competition. As a key stepping stone for emerging endurance racing drivers and teams, the series continues to reinforce its vital role on the endurance ladder.

&ldquo;The return of Road to Le Mans in the same format as 2026, including a three-hour race on Friday, will further enhance the level of competition. Held on the legendary Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans as the third round of the championship, this hugely popular event will once again give competitors an experience that is even closer to the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.&quot;

Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Lequien, Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) CEO: &ldquo;For the third year in a row we have selected the same six venues to host the Michelin Le Mans Cup, which provides teams and drivers stability and consistency.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Along with the European Le Mans Series and Ligier European Series, the Michelin Le Mans Cup provides an exciting weekend of endurance racing, while offering an attractive event for the circuits to promote to their local fanbase, which has resulted in larger crowds at each event year on year.

&ldquo;The successful running of a 3-hour race for Road To Le Mans added another exciting element to the series and we are pleased to confirm that the Road To Le Mans will run to the same format in 2027.&rdquo;

&ldquo;We look forward to welcoming everyone to another exciting Michelin Le Mans Cup season.&rdquo;

2027 Michelin Le Mans Cup Provisional Calendar:

<ul>
	<li>Mar 10 - Collective Test - Barcelona - ESP</li>
	<li>Mar 13 - Round 1 &ndash; Barcelona - ESP</li>
	<li>May 01 - Round 2 &ndash; Le Castellet - FRA</li>
	<li>Jun 11 - Round 3 &ndash; Road To Le Mans - FRA</li>
	<li>Aug 21 - Round 4 &ndash; Spa-Francorchamps - BEL</li>
	<li>Sep 04 - Round 5 &ndash; Silverstone - GBR</li>
	<li>Oct 02 - Round 6 &ndash; Portim&atilde;o - POR</li>
</ul>

Onwards and Upwards for the Michelin Le Mans Cup in 2027

The 2027 European Le Mans Series calendar will feature the same six iconic European circuits, but with an earlier start for the season opener in Barcelona. The Prologue will take place on 8 and 9 March, with the 4 Hours of Barcelona Sunday 14 March, four weeks earlier than the 2026 race.

The 2027 calendar will once again feature six 4-hour races at the same circuits visited this year &ndash; Barcelona, Le Castellet, Imola, Spa-Francorchamps, Silverstone and Portim&atilde;o.

After the season opener in Spain, Round 2 will be held seven weeks later in the South of France at the Circuit Paul Ricard, with the 4 Hours of Le Castellet from 30 April to the 2 May. In a change from the last two years, the chicane on the Mistral Straight will be removed in 2027 allowing the competitors to face the challenge of the full 1.8km straight for the first time since 2024.

With the 24 Hours of Le Mans on the 12-13 June, Round 3 of the 2027 European Le Mans Series will be held in Italy at the Autodromo Internazionale Enzo e Dino Ferrari, with the 4 Hours of Imola on the 2-4 July.

The 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps will be Round 4, with the teams heading to the Ardenne to celebrate the 10th year of the ELMS racing at the awesome Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps.

With the FIA World Endurance Championship announcing a return to Silverstone in April 2027, British fans will have a second opportunity to see the cars that race at Le Mans, with the third visit of the European Le Mans Series to the UK&rsquo;s premier racetrack. The Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone will take place on 3-5 September.

For the eleventh time, the season finale will be held at the Autodromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal, with the 4 Hours of Portim&atilde;o taking place from the 30 September to 2 October.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l&rsquo;Ouest: &quot;For over a decade, the European Le Mans Series has established itself as one of the leading championships in European endurance racing, providing an outstanding platform for drivers and teams alike. With six rounds hosted at some of Europe&#39;s most iconic circuits, the ELMS continues to grow in stature, driven by rising audiences and ever-increasing fan attendance. We are delighted to return to these landmark venues for the 2027 season and look forward to another exciting year of competition. The ACO is proud to continue building the success of the ELMS, which continues to inspire and engage an expanding community of endurance racing fans.&quot;

Fr&eacute;d&eacute;ric Lequien, Le Mans Endurance Management (LMEM) CEO:&nbsp;&ldquo;There is an old that if something isn&rsquo;t broken, don&rsquo;t try to fix it and with that in mind the 2027 ELMS calendar is all about providing the teams and our partners with a stable platform.

&ldquo;Since 2013 the European Le Mans Series has grown year on year, with six 4-hour races on six of Europe&rsquo;s leading circuits. The 2027 calendar provides the excellent combination of different challenges on historic circuits that are each unique in their characteristics, while providing the top facilities that our teams, drivers, partners and our fans expect when competing at this level of European competition.

We look forward to welcoming everyone to an exciting new season, beginning in Spain next March.&rdquo;

2027 European Le Mans Series Calendar:

<ul>
	<li>8/9 March &ndash; Prologue - ESP</li>
	<li>12-14 March - 4 Hours of Barcelona - ESP&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
	<li>30 April - 2 May - 4 Hours of Le Castellet - FRA</li>
	<li>2-4 July - 4 Hours of Imola - ITA</li>
	<li>20-22 August - 4 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps - BEL</li>
	<li>3-5 September - Goodyear 4 Hours of Silverstone - GBR</li>
	<li>30 Sept&ndash;2 October - 4 Hours of Portim&atilde;o - POR</li>
</ul>

Six-Race Calendar and Early Start for Exciting 2027 ELMS Season

The Mazda 787B will be one of the stars of Le Mans Classic Legend (2-5 July 2026). The Group C prototype – a 24 Hours of Le Mans icon – will be back at the circuit in a demonstration capacity. Don’t miss the chance to see, and hear, one of the most emblematic cars in the history of endurance racing.

Some race cars are born to become legends. <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/the-30th-anniversary-of-the-mazda-787bs-triumph-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans-55222">The Mazda 787B</a> definitely falls into that category.

In 1991, the car earned Mazda a historic 24 Hours of Le Mans victory. The manufacturer became the first Japanese marque to win the world&rsquo;s greatest endurance race, long before Toyota&rsquo;s success in La Sarthe.

Developed by Mazdaspeed, the 787B boasts outstanding technology: a four-disc rotary engine with an output of almost 700 hp. Once again, the 24 Hours of Le Mans served as a test ground, enabling Mazda to push its mechanical architecture to the limit.

Thirty years on, the Mazda 787B is still a favourite, not least thanks its distinctive &ldquo;voice&rdquo;. The scream of the high-pitched rotary engine is a signature sound immediately recognisable to endurance racing fans.

<h2>Three track demonstrations</h2>

Le Mans Classic Legend spectators will have three opportunities to admire the Mazda 787B in action.

10-minute demonstrations are scheduled on:

<ul>
	<li>Friday 3 July at 2 p.m.</li>
	<li>Saturday 4 July at 6.05 p.m.</li>
	<li>Sunday 5 July at 1.39 p.m.</li>
</ul>

Spectators will be treated to an arresting parade from one of the most emblematic cars in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

<a href="https://www.lemansclassic.com/en/ticketing/">Book your tickets for Le Mans Classic Legend now!</a>

Le Mans Classic Legend: when to admire the Mazda 787B

Le Mans Classic Legend (2–5 July 2026) transforms the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit into a world where heritage, music, cinema, the French art of living and the automobile come together. Concerts, exhibitions, a drive-in cinema, an auction, a museum, family entertainment and much more… every moment extends the same story: a passion for the automobile, passed down from generation to generation.

Le Mans Classic Legend is about far more than the cars on track. For four days, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit becomes a place of discovery, encounters and emotion, where every attraction reveals a different chapter in automotive history. Here, engines meet music, cinema brings memories back to life, everyday objects become heritage, and shared experiences create lasting memories.

<h2>Two Evenings of Live Music</h2>

As night falls, Le Mans Classic Legend takes on a different atmosphere without ever losing its soul. The concerts keep the celebration alive in a friendly setting where generations and musical styles come together. Discover the event&#39;s live music programme.

Friday, 3 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>8:00 pm &ndash; 10:00 pm: Contrecoeur</li>
	<li>10:30 pm &ndash; 11:30 pm: Polo &amp; Pan</li>
	<li>Midnight &ndash; 1:30 am: Etienne De Cr&eacute;cy</li>
</ul>

Saturday, 4 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>8:00 pm &ndash; 10:00 pm: Baccus</li>
	<li>10:30 pm &ndash; 11:30 pm: Superbus</li>
	<li>Midnight &ndash; 1:30 am: Bon Entendeur</li>
</ul>

<h2>Gordon Murray, Guest of Honour</h2>

Some individuals leave a lasting mark on automotive history. Gordon Murray is one of them.

The South African engineer, whose creations have become legendary, is the Guest of Honour at Le Mans Classic Legend 2026. His name is forever linked to the 24 Hours of Le Mans through the victory of the McLaren F1 GTR in 1995, as well as through designs that have shaped both Formula 1 and road car history.

On Saturday, 4 July 2026, from 2:25 pm to 2:40 pm, an exceptional parade will showcase several of his greatest creations: the McLaren F1, McLaren F1 GTR, Brabham BT42, Ayrton Senna&#39;s iconic McLaren MP4/5B, together with the latest GMA T.33, T.50 and T.50s Niki Lauda.

These models will also be displayed in the heart of the village, offering visitors a rare opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of a designer who has profoundly influenced automotive history.

<h2>A Drive-In Where the Automobile Takes Centre Stage</h2>

Located in Village 1, close to the Mus&eacute;e corner of the Bugatti Circuit, the Drive-In invites visitors to rediscover a selection of cult films. Turbo, GoldenEye, Taxi 2, Back to the Future, Jurassic Park, The Love Bug Goes to Monte Carlo and the legendary short film C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous all demonstrate how the automobile has fuelled the imagination of cinema for decades.

A nostalgic experience where memories are not only watched, but truly relived. Discover the Le Mans Classic Legend Drive-In programme.

Friday, 3 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>4:00 pm &ndash; 5:36 pm: Turbo</li>
	<li>6:00 pm &ndash; 6:09 pm: C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous</li>
	<li>6:10 pm &ndash; 8:20 pm: James Bond: GoldenEye</li>
	<li>8:50 pm &ndash; 10:30 pm: The Love Bug Goes to Monte Carlo</li>
</ul>

Saturday, 4 July 2026:

<ul>
	<li>4:00 pm &ndash; 5:28 pm: Taxi 2</li>
	<li>6:00 pm &ndash; 6:09 pm: C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous</li>
	<li>6:10 pm &ndash; 8:06 pm: Back to the Future</li>
	<li>8:30 pm &ndash; 8:39 pm: C&#39;&eacute;tait un rendez-vous</li>
	<li>8:40 pm &ndash; 10:42 pm: Jurassic Park</li>
</ul>

<h2>Visit the M24 &ndash; Museum of Motor Sport</h2>

Located at the North Gate of the circuit, the M24 &ndash; Museum of Motor Sport naturally extends the Le Mans Classic Legend experience.

More than simply a museum, it tells the story of the women, men, cars and achievements that have shaped the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and motor racing. Every gallery combines heritage with modernity to pass on this remarkable legacy to future generations.

Throughout the event, the museum welcomes visitors with extended opening hours, including a special late opening until midnight on Saturday.

Opening Hours:

<ul>
	<li>Wednesday, 1 July 2026: 9:00 am &ndash; 8:00 pm</li>
	<li>Thursday, 2 July 2026: 9:00 am &ndash; 6:00 pm</li>
	<li>Friday, 3 July 2026: 8:00 am &ndash; 8:00 pm</li>
	<li>Saturday, 4 July 2026: 8:00 am &ndash; Midnight</li>
	<li>Sunday, 5 July 2026: 8:00 am &ndash; 7:00 pm</li>
</ul>

Last admission is 1 hour and 15 minutes before closing.

<h2>The Artcurial Motorcars Auction</h2>

On Friday, 3 July, <a href="https://www.24h-lemans.com/en/news/le-mans-classic-legend-discover-the-lots-of-the-artcurial-motorcars-auction-60840" target="_blank">the official auction organised by Artcurial Motorcars</a> brings together an exceptional selection of collector cars at the heart of the circuit.

Competition cars, rare models, iconic classics and unexpected discoveries make up a catalogue designed for every enthusiast. Beyond the bidding itself, the auction is a journey through the decades, where every automobile tells its own story through its owners, achievements and legacy.

<h2>The Republican Guard Band: Elegance Before the Roar of the Engines</h2>

Before the racing begins, tradition takes centre stage. The Band of the French Republican Guard officially opens Le Mans Classic Legend with the ceremonial splendour that accompanies great occasions. Brass instruments echo around the circuit, inviting visitors into a timeless moment where national heritage and automotive heritage become one.

<h2>The Arcade Zone: Relive the Thrill of Another Era</h2>

Long before ultra-realistic gaming consoles, there were arcade machines.

Located in Village 1 opposite the Courbe restaurant, the Arcade Zone takes visitors back to the golden age of video games. Pinball machines, CRT screens and iconic arcade classics awaken memories that can be just as powerful as those of a first motor race.

It&#39;s an experience where younger visitors discover a world already familiar to their parents and grandparents.

<h2>A Funfair for the Whole Family</h2>

Le Mans Classic Legend is also a celebration for everyone. Located close to the concert stage, the funfair offers a light-hearted break between automotive discoveries. Rides, fairground games and a timeless atmosphere remind visitors that great events are enjoyed just as much with family as with fellow enthusiasts.

After all, the best memories are often the ones we create together.

<h2>Legendary Cars from the Silver Screen</h2>

Some cars have become immortal without ever winning a race.

This exhibition brings together some of the most famous automobiles from cinema and television. The Back to the Future DeLorean, Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds, the stars of Taxi, Fast &amp; Furious and The A-Team all illustrate the unique place the automobile holds in our collective imagination.

These are cars that tell the story not only of popular culture, but also of the history of cinema itself.

<h2>Le Mans Classic Legend: An Experience to Remember</h2>

Le Mans Classic Legend is an event where the automobile transcends its primary purpose to become memory, heritage and emotion. Every exhibition, concert, film screening and encounter contributes to telling a shared story&mdash;a passion that spans generations.

For four unforgettable days, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit becomes far more than a race track. It becomes a world where visitors come not only to admire extraordinary cars, but to enjoy a truly cultural and human experience. An invitation to slow down, reflect, share&hellip; and together write the next chapter in this remarkable story.

Book your tickets for Le Mans Classic Legend through <a href="https://www.lemansclassic.com/en/ticketing/" target="_blank">the event&#39;s official ticket office</a>.

Discover the Entertainment at Le Mans Classic Legend 2026

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