What to Expect

Race week: 11th to 17th June 2012

The Le Mans 24 hours is probably the World's greatest race - it's certainly one of the most special in terms of atmosphere!

Will 2012 be a repeat battle between Audi and Peugeot (Audi won again in 2011 - with Peugeot's lead car classified just 13 seconds behind), or will the petrol prototypes finally get on terms with the diesel giants? What of Project 56 - the 'delta wing' car from the USA with it's low drag and massively efficient engine or the returning Toyota with its hybrid LMP1?

There's only really one way to find out - and that's to be there! What makes Le Mans special? We can't decide whether it's the top class racing, the fabulous atmosphere, the simple vastness of the circuit (this isn't one we'd recommend walking around) or the constant party that surrounds the race.

First timer? Then we'd certainly recommend getting there early to soak up the surroundings, making sure you get to scrutineering on the Tuesday at least, and with multiple qualifying sessions on the Wednesday and Thursday this is a great time to be trackside. As for where to watch the race - the limits are set by your budget... from simple grandstand seats to full team hospitality which could involve pit garage visits and track access before the race!