The FIA has released the entry list for the 2022 WEC Le Mans 24 Hours event which was delayed due to the geopolitical situation.
The 2022 race, returning to its usual mid-June slot, is set to go down in history for several reasons. For the very first time in the history, the cars of the competitors will run on 100% renewable fuel, the Excellium Racing 100 developed and supplied by TotalEnergies, which allows for greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions savings of at least 65% compared with traditional fossil fuels.
Toyota Gazoo Racing will be looking to repeat the success, having triumphed in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans of the Hypercar last year. The Japanese manufacturer will be eager to register a fifth consecutive outright win, but will face competition from US manufacturer Glickenhaus, fielding two cars, and French firm Alpine.
In LMP2 an intriguing battle for class honours awaits this June. The main challengers to current title-holder WRT will include Richard Mille Racing Team, banking on the talent of eight-time FIA World Rally Championship titlist Sébastien Ogier, as well as the likes of AF Corse and the renowned US powerhouse Team Penske.
Porsche and Ferrari enjoyed a fascinating head-to-head in LMGTE Pro last year, but this time, they can expect fierce competition from Corvette Racing. With a bumper 22-car field, the LMGTE Am class also promises an exciting race. Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari will engage in a fierce fight that has every chance of going to the wire.
Pierre Fillon, ACO President, said: “What a line-up! After unveiling a packed programme of activities for race fans, we are delighted to announce a high-calibre 62-car field that promises a thrilling race in every class for the 99th anniversary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. June cannot come quickly enough! We are so looking forward to a great celebration of endurance racing and a week of exciting track action.”
Richard Mille, FIA Endurance Commission President, said: “The announcement of the 24 Hours of Le Mans entry list is always a big moment. We get to know the participants and it sets the tone for the following months that lead to the actual event. The entry itself is as strong as ever, both in terms of numbers and quality. This, together with the fact that the 2022 edition of the race is set to run in front of full grandstands, promises that on the 99th anniversary of the race we’re all going to be able to enjoy the 24 Hours of Le Mans at its best!”
Frédéric Lequien, Le Mans Endurance Management CEO, said: “As the third round of the FIA World Endurance Championship’s 10th anniversary season, we are delighted to see our championship contenders joined by the best of the European Le Mans Series and Asian Le Mans Series. There is superb strength in depth across the board in endurance racing at the present time, and it is safe to say that the 90th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be an incredible spectacle.”
Here’s the full Le Mans 24 Hours entry list: https://assets.lemans.org/explorer/pdf/courses/2022/24-heures-du-mans/entry-list-24-heures-du-mans-2022.pdf
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[Note: The above is as per press release with no edits made]
