The 90th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a return to normal. The race returns to its traditional date and the public returns to the stands of La Sarthe. The worst of the COVID-19 pandemic is over and that means never having to compete again later in the summer and without or with a reduced number of attendees. Nevertheless, at a sporting level Le Mans 2022 comes at a complex time. The hypercar grid is identical to last year’s, as Peugeot Sport has not made it to the WEC’s premier event. And that draws a lackluster scenario.
Hypercar: LMH with an LMP1 waiting for the LMDh
If last season the LMH prototypes debuted at La Sarthe, this year it almost seems like they are almost in transition. In 2023, on the centenary of the test, the Peugeot and Ferrari LMH should be on the track, as well as the Porsche LMDh and perhaps some other firm. It seems a much more attractive scenario than the current one, although not for that reason the duel between the two Toyota GR010 Hybrid, the two SCG 007 LMH of Glickenhaus and the LMP1 of Alpine. It is curious that, while waiting for the LMDh, let’s have an old LMP1 as a real alternative.
That is not a set phrase. The Alpine #36 won the 1,000 Miles of Sebring after the accident of the Toyota #7 and was second in the 6 Hours of Spa thanks to the problems of the #8 Toyota. If something is clear, it is that the Toyota GR010 Hybrid does not have the superiority of its predecessor and in Le Mans any problem is paid dearly. The unknown is in see how far the Glickenhaus can go. Romain Dumas, Olivier Pla and Pipo Derani compete in #708, while Ryan Briscoe, Franck Mailleux and Richard Westrbook will fight in #709.
LMP2: More and more talent
On the contrary, the LMP2 category lives a real moment of splendor with an entry list of 27 prototypes. Beyond the number, the important thing is the quality of a large part of the crews. The fight for victory could well be between the LMP2 of WRT, United Autosports and JOTA, something that implies a battle between seven ORECA. However, the talent is very ‘distributed’, so other teams can surprise. Richard Mille Racing may not be in this group, but the presence of Sébastien Ogier is always an asset.
Penske with Felipe Nasr, Dane Cameron and Emmanuel Collard should also be among the best, just like Prema with Robert Kubica as proper name. The Vector Sport team is looking forward to its Le Mans debut, but with a line-up made up of Sébastien Bourdais, Nico Müller and Ryan Cullen they can do well. The level is very high and the difference between being in the leading group or not will be measured in small details. A total of ten prototypes will fight for victory in the Pro-Am category.
Photos: Alpine Endurance Team / Prema Team