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Qualifying for for the Le Mans 24 Hours has been tweaked this year. Here’s how it’s different, and what the drivers think of the significant changes being made
The starting grid of the Le Mans 24 Hours was determined by engine displacement for a long time, until 1963 when it began to be based on lap times, with a few exceptions. In 1980, pole position was given to the crew with the best average time between drivers, and in 1991, new regulations reserved the front rows for specific prototypes. The Hyperpole format was introduced in 2020 to add excitement, arranging cars by category and lap time for a TV-friendly experience. This year, the ACO further spiced things up by separating Hypercars from other categories and splitting Hyperpole into two parts for even more drama. The schedule includes qualifying practice sessions, Hyperpole 1 and 2, with key regulations on tyres, driver weight, and team setups to be aware of. Drivers like Sébastien Buemi appreciate the new format for ensuring a clearer track during flying laps, unlike in the past when they were often blocked by slower cars.
