When the big event starts on 10 June 2023 it will literally be the race of the century. The annual endurance motor race that’s officially called 24 Hours of Le Mans – but usually goes by the simpler nickname of ‘Le Mans’ – will be celebrating 100 years since its inaugural outing, during which time there have been 93 meetings. The anomaly here is explained by the race being suspended during and immediately after the Second World War.
A century ago it was called the Grand Prix d’Endurance de 24 Heures, but the principle has remained the same. The world’s longest-running motor-racing event is won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. Not only a showcase for the drivers, it has always been a chance for car designers and engineers to advertise their skills in keeping a car running at speeds well over 200mph (320km/h) without mechanical failure.
Small wonder that Danish racing driver Tom Kristensen – nine-times winner and one of the all...