Here is your breakdown of Le Mans 24 Hours 2022, from the UK start time and how to watch the action, to which drivers are involved.
Many people have heard of Le Mans before without fully understanding what it entails. Well, Le Mans 24 Hours is exactly what it sounds like.
The 24 hour-long race is the third round of the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship. Taking place from Saturday, June 11, until Sunday, June 12, the annual race is held near the French town of Le Mans at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
It is the world’s oldest active endurance racing event and forms one-third of motorsport’s triple crown. The other two races in the crown are the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500.
The winner of Le Mans 24 Hours is the car which covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. This year is extra special, as it is the 90th anniversary of the iconic race.
How does the race work?
Each team consists of three drivers. Each driver will take turns in the car throughout the 24 hours.
No driver can exceed 14 hours in the car, and stints tend to be no longer than four hours at a time.
Leading up to the race, teams have the opportunity to practice. They also have to do a qualifying session and Hyperpole.
In qualifying, drivers set out to record the fastest lap, and the majority of the grid is decided on this day. In addition, the six fastest drivers in each class qualify for Hyperpole, which determines where the top-six start on the grid.
What is the UK start time of Le Mans 24 Hours 2022?
The race starts at 8am BST. There is an opportunity for drivers to warm up their car ahead of the race start earlier in the day.
How to watch Le Mans 24 Hours 2022
Le mans 24 Hours is being broadcast in the UK on Eurosport. Additionally, it is available on the Eurosport app and discovery+.
The Eurosport app is free to download, although a subscription to the Eurosport Player will set you back £6.99 per month or £39.99 a year.
People with TV packages with Sky, Virgin or BT have access to the channel on their TV box.
If you are not with any of those providers, you can sign up for discovery+ for just £6.99 per month or £59.99 annually.
Those who have Amazon Prime can also access discovery+ through their Prime account for an additional £6.99 a month.
Who is driving at Le Mans 24 Hours 2022?
Last year’s winners Kamui Kobayashi, Mike Conway and Jose Maria Lopez are driving for Toyota Gazoo Racing again this year.
Huge motorsport teams take part in the race every year. This includes Ferrari, Porsche, and Aston Martin.
Notable former Formula 1 drivers participate every year. Among the drivers this year are Kobayashi, Felipe Nasr and Pietro Fittipaldi– grandson of two-time F1 champions Emerson Fittipaldi.
Another notable driver is Hollywood star Michael Fassbender, who will take to the wheel for Proton Racing this year.
Featured Image Credit: Getty
