Hyperpole at the 24 Hours of Le Mans: how does it work?

Since 2020, the new format of qualifications for 24 Hours of Le Mans is divided into two stages: a first qualifying session, then the Hyperpole the next day. Thus, Wednesday's session, which will take place over one hour from 19 p.m. to 20 p.m., will see the 62 crews explain themselves to move on to the next round: the Hyperpole. Contested from 20 p.m. to 20:30 p.m., it will pit the 23 remaining cars, the six best in each category, against each other. As there are only five Hypercars, they will all automatically qualify for the “final”. In GTE Pro, only one car will therefore fall by the wayside.

The idea is to allow the best drivers to embark on a flying lap without worrying about the traffic and the hazards generated by it. “It's always nice to be at Le Mans and benefit from new tires, little fuel in the car and no traffic. Trying to fight for pole position through the Hyperpole is also good for the ego and the prestige. The Hyperpole adds a sprint aspect to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We know that the starting position does not dictate the race, but it is important to try to be at the front.", juge Kevin Estre, pilote de la Porsche n ° 92.

A format that does not suit everyone

However, not all pilots are convinced by this format. In 2021, Filipe Albuquerque did not appreciate being eliminated in the first session with the No. 07 United Autosports Oreca 22-Gibson, a title contender in WEC in the LM P2 category and therefore victory at Le Mans in this category. The Portuguese shared his frustration: “It’s so frustrating. The GTE Pro drivers destroy (our) laps when they leave the pits, it's just unacceptable... We will start 12th even though we had the pace to aim for the top 6 (reserved for Hyperpole competitors. Editor's note). We need to rethink the format qualifications. » Even more disappointed that he shared with us after this session, that “the car was even stronger than the previous year. »

A year later, Albuquerque is not giving up. “Wednesday qualifying will still be the same lottery to get a clean lap... Why not have 30 minutes for the GT and 30 minutes for the prototypes? », asks the pilot on his Twitter account. An idea which is reminiscent of the qualifications of theIMSA, where GT and prototypes are separated during qualifying sessions. A championship where Filipe Albuquerque also plays, with Wayne Taylor Racing.

In the meantime, he will, like his 185 fellow drivers entered in Sarthe, have to comply with these qualifications over two rounds. Please note that during Hyperpole, competitors are not allowed to enter the pits or refuel. However, they will be able to freely choose their tires. In 2021, Kamui Kobayashi avait signé la première Hyperpole de l’ère Hypercar avec un chrono en 3:23.900 pour Toyota. Qui signera celle de 2022 ?

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