Le Mans Classic 2018

Press Release

Le Mans Classic 2018

From July 6 to 8, 2018 the legendary Le Mans Circuit will welcome hundreds of thousands spectators coming to attend one of the greatest historic events in the world, Le Mans Classic, of which Richard Mille is the official partner since its creation in 2002.

The sound of frenzied mechanics, the smell of burnt fuel and the infernal roaring of 6-cylinders, v8 and other humming V12 engines will animate this weekend, long-awaited by numerous enthusiasts. Created almost 20 years ago and awarded with Two Motoring Event of the Year prizes at the International Historic Motoring Awards in 2014 and 2016, Le Mans Classic gathered together some 123 000 spectators, 8,500 European clubs, 1,000 drivers from around the world and 200 exhibitors on the French circuit over the weekend in 2016.
 

The 24 Hours of Le Mans has allowed thousands of cars to compete on the legendary 13 kilometer circuit over the last 86 years. Le Mans Classic aims to revive these highlights of motorsport.The 500 racing cars entered - on the condition of having participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans between 1923 and 1981 - are divided into six categories, each corresponding to a period. Following its introduction and success in 2016, Group C once again welcomes these cars with modern lines that made this the true Golden Age of Endurance as confirmed by specialists of the discipline.

Alongside the gentleman drivers who will confront the Hunaudières’ straight, Le Mans Classic is also the rendez-vous of renowned drivers who will come to compete with them. Jenson Button, F1 World Champion in 2009, will join Group C driving a 1988 Jaguar XJR-9 as well as other former 24 Hours winners such as Henri Pescarolo, Jochen Mass and Stéphane Ortelli.
 

Richard Mille will welcome his partners Felipe Massa, former Formula 1 racing driver as well as Sébastien Loeb the WRC champion and WRX rallycross driver over the weekend. Luxury British sportscar and supercar creator and Richard Mille partner McLaren Automotive will also be supporting the brand by providing their supercars; both the versatile 570S Sports Series and the highly acclaimed 720S Super Series to delight the spectators throughout the event.

As is now the tradition, Richard Mille will present their new watch dedicated to the race, the very sporty RM 11-03 LMC, a numbered limited edition of only 150 pieces. First RM 11-03 in white ceramic, it takes the mythical British racing green in the purest Le Mans Classic style.

On the occasion of the release of “Car Racing 1965” published in collaboration with the agency DPPI and the Editions Cercle d’Art, Richard Mille will exhibit in the lively village of the Le Mans circuit the most impressive photos hitherto unpublished. This exceptional testimony retraces in detail this historic year of motor racing, enough to immerse yourself a little more in the legendary «Spirit of Le Mans».