Rolex and motor sport

The 24 Hours of Le Mans

Heroic endeavour

An epic challenge, night and day

The Circuit de la Sarthe’s Mulsanne Straight and its two chicanes are internationally renowned. When night falls, it becomes a true challenge for every driver.

Much more than a prize, it is a symbol of recognition. The 24 Hours of Le Mans trophy allows its victors to etch their names in the annals of racing history. Rolex is a major partner of this event, the oldest endurance race in motor sport.

Mechanics on car — The Hertz Team Jota in the pit lane during the 2024 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The lure of endurance racing

For all the teams, a single objective: to cover the greatest distance in exactly 24 hours. Inaugurated in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is the most famous endurance race in the world.

Every champion, including those who excel in speed-based competitions, aspires to one day take on the challenge of this legendary race. It is a stern test of the machines’ reliability as well as the physical and mental stamina of the drivers.

A leading figure in motor sport, Sir Jackie Stewart competed in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1965. Hollywood legend Paul Newman also rose to the challenge, the veteran driver finishing second overall and first in his class during his sole appearance in 1979.

Innovative cars — The sun rises over the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Innovation through tradition

This unique sporting event was established to contribute to the technical development and growth of the automotive industry.

In 1923, 33 teams of two drivers participated in the inaugural 24 Hours of Le Mans race. In modern times, every June, more than 60 cars in three categories – Hypercar, LMP2 and LMGT3 – with three drivers taking turns behind the wheel, compete at Circuit de la Sarthe. It is an opportunity for many of the largest manufacturers and private teams to showcase their technological expertise.

Since 2001, Rolex has been an Exclusive Major Partner and the Official Timepiece of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Any finish at Le Mans is great, but every time I’m there, my mission is to win.

Tom Kristensen

Discover more

The cars — The Audi Sport Team Joest, including Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen, racing at night during the 2014 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Tom Kristensen
Mr Le Mans

With nine victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Tom Kristensen is the most successful driver in the race’s history.

Despite having no prior experience with the car with which he was entrusted, the Danish driver triumphed on his first appearance in 1997. He went on to reign supreme at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2000 to 2005, before winning the race again in 2008 and 2013. Out of 18 attempts, Kristensen finished on the podium 15 times. His achievements also include an FIA World Endurance Championship title in 2013 and six wins at the 12 Hours of Sebring.

Kristensen has been a Rolex Testimonee since 2010.

Drive for efficiency

The quest for energy efficiency is another major challenge for the future of motor sport. Manufacturers use endurance competitions to test innovative solutions. Since 2022, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) have adopted a fully certified sustainable biofuel.

The Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO), organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, aims to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030 thanks to the Mission H24 project it runs through the Race to 2030 programme. Its ambition is to introduce a category reserved for hydrogen electric-powered prototypes at Le Mans by 2028.