Once a year, the usually quiet French city of Le Mans comes alive with one of the biggest motorsport races in the world.
Even to those unfamiliar with car racing, the Le Mans 24 Hour races are well-known.
On 8.5 miles of a semi-permanent race track, which combines a permanent circuit and closed public roads, drivers start in the day and race through the night in various categories of cars, which range from Hypercars to GT3 machines.
It’s an achievement in itself to make it through to sunrise, and only the best teams will be in a position to challenge to stand on one of the most famous podiums in motorsport.
Alongside Formula 1’s Monaco Grand Prix and the iconic Indy 500 in the USA, Le Mans is widely considered one of motorsport’s ‘Triple Crown’ events. Winning it just means more than most other races.
Charlie Eastwood, from Northern Ireland, is one of the few lucky drivers to say he has won Le Mans, as he claimed GTEAM glory in 2020.
Now a factory driver with Corvette alongside TF Sport team-mates Rui Andrade and Tom van Rompuy, the 29-year-old is aiming to taste that wining feeling once again.
“I literally love every single part of Le Mans. It is the best endurance race in the world, in my opinion, and by far,” Eastwood said.
“This race it’s a dream for many, and I’ve been lucky enough to do it several times and win it. I hope I can do it for as long as possible”.
When trying to summarise what makes the race so special, Eastwood’s answer was simple – it’s everything.
“Many elements are so special. I have so many good memories and key memories of Le Mans,” he added.
“My first laps, the first time I did the parade, the first time I did a qualifying lap, the first time I took the start and heard the roar of the crowd over the engine, which I’ve never heard anywhere else.
“And then, of course, I have fond memories of winning in 2020.”
After a strong qualifying session, Eastwood, Andrade and Rompuy will start the race from sixth in class.
The race begins at 15:00 BST on Saturday and the chequered flag will fly 24 hours later.
