Le Mans 2026: Schedule and Entry List Confirmed
The world’s biggest endurance race begins with qualifying today
The 24 Hours of Le Mans returns this week with a packed schedule, a record-strength Hypercar field and several major storylines shaping the 2026 edition. Qualifying begins today, setting the stage for Saturday’s start of the legendary 24‑hour race.
A landmark edition with a full grid and intense competition
The 2026 running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans marks another milestone for the FIA World Endurance Championship, bringing together a 62‑car grid across Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3. With manufacturers increasing their commitment to endurance racing, this year’s event promises one of the most competitive battles in the modern era.
The week officially begins today with free practice and the first qualifying sessions, followed by Thursday’s Hyperpole shootout. The race itself starts on Saturday at 16:00 local time, launching 24 hours of high‑speed strategy, reliability battles and unpredictable drama.
Full weekend schedule
| Day | Session | Time (local) |
|---|---|---|
| Wednesday | Free Practice 1 | 14:00 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | Qualifying Practice (LMP2 / LMGT3) | 18:45 – 19:15 |
| Wednesday | Qualifying Practice (Hypercar) | 19:30 – 20:00 |
| Wednesday | Free Practice 2 | 22:00 – 00:00 |
| Thursday | Free Practice 3 | 14:45 |
| Thursday | Hyperpole (LMP2 & LMGT3) | 20:00 – 20:35 |
| Thursday | Hyperpole (Hypercar) | 21:05 – 21:40 |
| Thursday | Free Practice 4 | 23:00 |
| Saturday | Warm-up | 12:00 |
| Saturday–Sunday | Race – 24 Hours of Le Mans | Start 16:00 (Saturday) |
This structure mirrors the modern WEC format, with Wednesday’s qualifying sessions determining which cars advance to the decisive Hyperpole shootout on Thursday evening. Only the fastest six cars per class will fight for pole position.
A stacked Hypercar field leads the 2026 entry list
The Hypercar category once again headlines the event, featuring a deep roster of factory teams and high‑profile driver line‑ups. The battle at the front is expected to be fierce, with several manufacturers entering Le Mans with realistic hopes of victory.
Key Hypercar contenders
Ferrari 499P
Ferrari arrives as one of the favourites after strong early‑season form and recent success at Le Mans. Multiple factory entries ensure the Italian marque will be a major factor in both qualifying and the race.
Toyota GR010 Hybrid
Toyota continues its long‑standing Le Mans campaign with updated evolutions of the GR010. Experience, consistency and proven reliability remain their biggest strengths.
Aston Martin Valkyrie AMR‑LMH
Aston Martin’s return to the top class is one of the headline stories of 2026. The Valkyrie Hypercar has shown competitive pace during Test Day, and the team enters the week with growing confidence.
Cadillac V‑Series.R
Cadillac remains a fan favourite, combining strong top‑speed performance with a robust driver line‑up. Their 2026 package looks well‑balanced for the long race.
Peugeot 9X8
Peugeot continues its development path with the revised 9X8, aiming to convert speed into a sustained 24‑hour challenge.
BMW M Hybrid V8
BMW’s second Le Mans campaign with the M Hybrid V8 brings improved pace and stability. Their driver roster is one of the strongest in the field.
Alpine A424
Alpine’s new Hypercar has shown flashes of speed and is expected to be competitive in qualifying.
Genesis Magma GMR‑001
A striking newcomer, Genesis enters its first Le Mans with the Magma GMR‑001. The car’s Test Day performance drew attention, and the team aims to complete the full 24 hours in its debut.
LMP2 and LMGT3 add depth to the grid
LMP2 returns with a strong field of privateer teams, many featuring drivers with previous Le Mans podiums. The LMGT3 category, introduced last season, brings a diverse mix of manufacturers including Porsche, Lamborghini, Aston Martin, BMW and Ford.
Both classes are expected to deliver close racing, particularly during the night hours when traffic management becomes a decisive factor.
Storylines to watch throughout the week
Several narratives will shape the 2026 edition:
- Ferrari chasing another Le Mans victory after recent dominance
- Aston Martin’s high‑profile return to the top class
- Genesis making its Hypercar debut
- Jamie Chadwick becoming the first woman in Hypercar at Le Mans
- The battle for Hyperpole, which has become a fan‑favourite spectacle
- Weather uncertainty, always a factor in June at Circuit de la Sarthe
With a full grid, a tight championship fight and multiple manufacturers capable of winning, the 2026 race is set to be one of the most unpredictable in years.
More WEC: the full 2026 calendar, every race result and all of our reporting from the World Endurance Championship are collected on our FIA WEC hub.
