The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has revealed a list of 56 cars that will take part in the 24 Hours Of Le Mans 2014 on June 14th. Other than the entry list, they also revealed a new Le Mans logo, new entries into the race and new regulations. The new logo which was designed by Leroy Tremblot agency is inspired by the same principles as the legionary 24 Hours of Le Mans itself – innovation, popularity, performance and variety.
For the 2014 FIAWEC season, the top level LMP1 class will have triple competition from three manufacturers after Porsche announced its return to 24 Hours of Le Mans this year. Its two competitors are modern Le Mans mainstays Audi and Toyota both having demonstrated a fair share of rigid competition in the past few seasons. Nissan will also compete in the LMP1 category with the new ZEOD Racer as it prepares for official entry in 2015, meaning the ZEOD will be running outside the overall classification.
The LM GTE-Pro class has a total of 12 entries with the Corvettes and Viper GTS-R among them. The teams include SRT Motorsports, AF Corse, Ram Racing, Corvette Racing, Porsche Team Manthey among others. Lastly is the LM GTE-Am class which has a total of 16 entries, RAM Racing, AF Corse and Aston Martin Racing are fielding cars in this class and the Pro class as well.
There are 10 reserves ( 5 LMPs and 5 GTEs) available for any teams that may withdraw. The teams will represent 12 countries and 18 different nationalities.
Quotes:
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: After celebrating in style the 90th anniversary of its favourite event in 2013, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest is writing a new chapter in the history of the race in 2014. It has a new logo, a new set of revolutionary regulations for the blue riband LM P1 category, new entries with the return of prestigious makes like Porsche and Ligier, and new partners known worldwide. The fascination exerted by the Le Mans 24 Hours is greater than ever before. It’s the guarantee of an event in which this year, more than ever before, technological innovations, respect of sustainable development, top level sport and immense popularity combine.
Vincent Beaumesnil the Automobile Club de l’Ouest Sports Manager: The field for the 2014 Le Mans 24 Hours is without doubt one of the greatest in the event’s history. In the LM P1 category the arrival of Porsche in addition to Audi and Toyota and Lotus plus the entry of the new Rebellions prove the validity of the new technical regulations introduced this year. Once again the biggest grid can be found in LM P2 and all the teams at the start are in a position to battle for victory given the evident quality of the entries. In GTE Pro, five manufacturers continue to put their trust in us and have entered the 2014 racing versions of their most beautiful road-going GTs. In GTE Am, the category that has progressed the most, the open nature of the regulations attracts more and more private teams. Making a choice among the entries was a really difficult task because of the quality of all the applications received by the ACO from all over the world!
