Le Mans 2026 Diary Dates / Programme
This is your week-by-week guide to the build-up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2026.
We’ve focused on the key moments that matter if you’re camping, arriving early, and making the most of race week.
version 26 April 2026
Week 1 – Arrival & Setup
Thursday 4 June 2026 – Campsites Open
This is when the ACO public campsites officially open.
- Arrival day for early campers
- Best chance to secure a good pitch
- Expect queues at peak arrival times
Tip: Arrive as early as you can—good spots go fast, especially in popular campsites like Houx.
Friday 5 June 2026 – Scrutineering Day 1
- Link to ACO Le Mans website.
10:00 – 19:00
Scrutineering takes place in the centre of Le Mans in the Place de la Republique and is one of the first major moments of race week. Each car is checked by officials to confirm it meets the event regulations before being allowed to compete.
Unusually, this process is open to the public, giving fans the chance to get close to the cars and teams in a relaxed, city-centre setting.
It combines the technical side of the sport with a lively atmosphere, and for many, it marks the real start of the Le Mans experience.
Saturday 6 June 2026 - Scrutineering Day 2
- Link to ACO Le Mans website.
- City Centre Parade, from 15:00 info TBC
09:00 – 14:00
Scrutineering takes place in the centre of Le Mans in the Place de la Republique and is one of the first major moments of race week. Each car is checked by officials to confirm it meets the event regulations before being allowed to compete.
Unusually, this process is open to the public, giving fans the chance to get close to the cars and teams in a relaxed, city-centre setting.
It combines the technical side of the sport with a lively atmosphere, and for many, it marks the real start of the Le Mans experience.
Sunday 7 June 2026 – First Track Day
- Official Test Day on track: Support Races
- First chance to see the cars at speed
- Great day for photography and scouting viewing spots
- Support Races: CLICK FOR DETAILS
- 0800-0845 Ligier European Series Free Practice
- 0915-0935 Ligier European Series Qualifying practice sessions
- 1000-1300 24 HOURS OF LE MANS - FREE PRACTICE 1
- 1400-1500 Ligier European Series Race
- 1530-1830 24 HOURS OF LE MANS - FREE PRACTICE 2
The support races at Le Mans add plenty of extra action around the main event. With a mix of different categories on track, they showcase emerging talent alongside experienced drivers competing in front of a global crowd.
Monday 8 June 2026 – Build-Up Begins
- No major on-track action
- Recovery day after Test Day
- Good time for shopping, rest, and planning
Use this day wisely—race week ramps up fast from here.
Tuesday 9 June 2026
- 14:00-18:00 PITS OPEN TO PUBLIC - "PIT WALK"
- 14:00-15:00 AUTOGRAPH SESSION - PIT LANE
- more events TBC
A great day to be in the pits, visit the garages
Wednesday 10 June 2026 – Practice & Qualifying Begins
- The Public road parts of circuit SHUT to Public traffic from 03:00 until after the race on Sunday
- Track Action all day from 08:45 TBC. click here for more info
- Track action into the evening
This is where race week properly starts—cars on track, day and night.
Thursday 11 June 2026 – Qualifying Continues
- Track Action all day from 08:45 TBC. click here for more info
- Final qualifying sessions
- Hyperpole shootouts (depending on format)
- Evening track action
Grid positions are decided—expect a great atmosphere around the circuit.
Friday 12 June 2026 – Pit Walk & Events
- Road to Le Mans race TBC. click for more info
- Events and entertainment TBC
- TBC
A breather before race day—great chance to get close to the cars.
Saturday 13 June 2026 – Race Day
- Warm-up session (morning)
- Grid walk and pre-race build-up
- Race start – 16:00
The main event begins. Settle in—you’re here for 24 hours.
Sunday 14 June 2026 – Race Finish
- Race finish – 16:00
- Podium celebrations
- Slow exit from campsites
Take your time leaving—traffic can be heavy immediately after the finish, many stay the night and depart Monday morning
Monday 15 June 2026 – Final chance to leave!
- Final exit from campsites
