Le Mans 2025: The Fight for Glory
The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans promises a spectacle unlike any other. The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has released the provisional entry list and the Hypercar class is packed with established giants, returning legends and brand‑new challengers. Here’s what you need to know before the lights go green.
Hypercar: Manufacturer War 2.0
Ferrari – Title‑holder with Hunger
Ferrari returns as defending champion with a refined 499P. A lighter package and optimized aerodynamics are meant to put the Italians back on the top step. The driver quartet of Antonio Giovinazzi, James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi and Nicklas Nielsen remains unchanged – stability is the watchword in Maranello.
Toyota – Reliability as a Weapon
Toyota Gazoo Racing has used the off‑season to improve the GR010 Hybrid’s thermal efficiency and software. Three cars will start, each mixing seasoned champions with young talent (think Sébastien Buemi, Brendon Hartley and Ryo Hirakawa), aiming to get the Japanese outfit back on the podium.
Porsche – Broad Front, Fresh Approach
Porsche Penske Motorsport will field four 963 LMDh machines. In addition to the factory squad, strong customer teams from Jota and Proton join, giving the German marque a total of six cars on the grid. With Kevin Estre, Laurens Vanthoor and Matt Campbell in the line‑up, a rainbow of experience is ready to run.
Cadillac, BMW and Alpine – The Outsiders
Cadillac makes its official debut with the V‑Series.R after the car proved it could fight for wins in IMSA. BMW returns with the M Hybrid V8, banking on strategic perfection after their podium in Spa. Alpine brings the A424 to the Sarthe, backed by F1 simulation data and a new partnership with Signatech.
LMP2 and GT: Battles Across the Whole Field
LMP2 – The Talent Nursery
A staggering 61 entries for 25 slots: the LMP2 class remains a breeding ground for future Hypercar stars. Oreca 07s dominate the entry list, with Racing Team Nederland and Prema among the contenders. Keep an eye on the young guns looking to prove themselves and earn Hypercar contracts.
LMGT3 – New Regulations, Fresh Playing Field
2025 is the first year LMGT3 replaces the GTE class. As a result we’ll see a mix of Aston Martin Vantage GT3s, Ferrari 296 GT3s, Porsche 911 GT3 R’s and even Lamborghini Huracán GT3 EVO2s. Privateer teams now have greater access to factory support – an exciting wildcard for the final standings.
For Sim Racers: When You Want to Jump In
- iRacing is once again hosting the official 24 h Special Event with the Hypercar and LMP2 models. Large Dutch teams are already preparing.
- Assetto Corsa Competizione will receive a Le Mans DLC in Q2, featuring the circuit and selected Hypercars, complete with day‑night transitions and rain variants.
- rFactor 2 remains the go‑to platform for endurance leagues thanks to its deep weather system and dynamic rubber build‑up. Expect community events built around the real race.
Tip: Practice long runs of 90 minutes with traffic management. Winning Le Mans is all about slicing through traffic flawlessly and watching your energy budget.
Key Facts at a Glance
- Date: 14–15 June 2025
- Circuit: Circuit de la Sarthe, 13.626 km
- Start time: Saturday 16:00 CET
- Teams on the entry list: 186 (62 slots available)
- Safety‑car zones: 3 (new since 2023, still enforced)
Who Has the Best Cards?
Ferrari remains the benchmark; reliability and speed went hand‑in‑hand last year. Toyota has solved the reliability issues that plagued 2024, while Porsche now has the breadth to pressure the leaders with multiple cars. Cadillac and BMW are lurking for mistakes from the favorites – expect a battle right to the final hours.
Our provisional top three:
- Ferrari AF Corse #50
- Toyota Gazoo Racing #7
- Porsche Penske Motorsport #6
Why You Shouldn’t Miss This
The 2025 24 Hours of Le Mans is more than a race; it’s a test of technology, endurance and strategy. With a Hypercar field deeper than ever and the introduction of LMGT3, we’ll see action in every class. For sim racers it’s the perfect moment to sharpen endurance skills and take part in online events.
Hardware for Endurance Racing
For long endurance stints you need reliable, comfortable hardware:
Steering Wheels – Stability for 24‑hour races:
- Fanatec CSL DD – €350, dependable for long sessions
- Moza R9 – €399, premium finish and quiet
Pedals – Load cell for consistency:
- Fanatec CSL Elite V2 – €300, adjustable spring rate
- Heusinkveld Ultimate+ – €974, used by Max Verstappen at Team Redline
Cockpits – Comfort for marathon sessions:
- Playseat Challenge – €299, foldable yet stable
- Sim‑Lab P1‑X – €2 499, Team Redline’s choice
Mark the weekend of 14 June in your calendar, warm up the rig and get ready for a full day of excitement. Le Mans waits for no one – are you ready?