24 hours of Le Mans

Created in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans race is the oldest and one of the most prestigious automobile competitions in the world. It tests both the reliability of the cars and the physical and mental resistance of the drivers, and attracts some of the biggest names in motorsport. Sixty-two crews, made up of three drivers each, compete on the Circuit de la Sarthe – a 13.6 kilometer long course – at the wheel of cars divided into three categories of prototype and Grand Touring vehicles. Victory goes to the crew having covered the greatest distance – which can cover some 5,300 kilometers – in 24 hours. Rolex has been a partner of the event since 2001 as Official Watch.

Since its first edition, the legendary event has been an ideal venue for putting the multiple technological advances in motor sports to the test. Experimentation with a new coating from the 1920s – still viable today –, safety, motorization and aerodynamics, but also exclusive use since 2022 of a renewable 100 % biofuel, are all developments which mark a century of progress driven by this legendary endurance race. In 2024, Alpine, BMW and Lamborghini are among the new manufacturers competing for the premier category, which underlines the importance and legitimacy of the event for the automobile industry.

He owes his nickname to his nine victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The most successful driver in the history of this race, Tom Kristensen won from his first participation in 1997. A Rolex testimonial since 2010, the Danish driver was crowned FIA world endurance champion in 2013. “A victory at Le Mans accompanies us forever. When I think about the history of racing and Rolex's commitment to motorsports, I feel great pride, but also humility. The brand and this discipline represent a perfect alliance, marked by the search for excellence, perseverance, technical innovation and surpassing oneself. »