Le Mans grid expands to record 62 cars

A record field will enter this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans after organisers announced on Tuesday that it would expand the entry list to 62 cars.

After setting the original 60-car grid back in March, officials at the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) have now opted to add two more entries to the field.

Leading reserve entries United Autosports and High Class Racing have both been given an entry after the decision was taken to erect two temporary garages at the entry to the pit lane for the race.

It will mark United Autosports’ second LMP2 entry, with the #32 Ligier JS P217 Gibson joining the Asian Le Mans Series-winning #22 Ligier on the grid.

High Class Racing will also join the LMP2 field with its #20 Oreca 07 Gibson, with Anders Fjordbach and Dennis Andersen confirmed in two of its three seats.

“In February, the selection committee faced a harder task than it has in many years. There were 75 applications – all of a high standard – and it was particularly difficult to choose 60, 'only' 60 of them should I say,” commented ACO president Pierre Fillon.

“We quickly came to the conclusion that we had to find a way to accept additional competitors, and our team here at the ACO confirmed the feasibility of adding two garages to the pit lane.

“We got to work and are overjoyed to be able to welcome 62 entrants for the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s a record number and a sign that this race is as popular as ever.”

The 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans takes place on June 15-16.