Qualifying and Hyperpole at Le Mans: what are the differences?

In 2020, the qualifying format was modified by the ACO to consist of two stages: qualifying on one side, and Hyperpole the next day. The goal ? Give pride of place to the throwing lap exercise.

Because in fact, 61 cars on a circuit as large as it is inevitably poses problems. Whether it's yellow flags, the slipstream phenomenon or even slow cars which could hinder other competitors: there are many parameters which can play a role in the awarding of pole position. This is why the ACO set up the Hyperpole.

First, the drivers will have to complete a basic qualifying session on Wednesday August 18 at 19:00 p.m. For 45 minutes, all drivers will drive simultaneously on the Sarthe circuit. The objective of this session: to qualify for the Hyperpole. To get there, there is only one condition: to be in the 6 fastest crews in your category. Note that in LM PH, everyone will qualify since there are only 5 crews. 

Then, on Thursday August 19, from 21:00 p.m. to 21:30 p.m. the Hyperpole will take place. The 23 cars that qualified the day before for this session will take part in the pure speed exercise. In total, 5 Hypercars and 6 LMP2s, GTE Pro and GTE Am will take to the track.
The time used for the allocation of position on the starting grid will be the time achieved by the fastest driver in the crew. Please also note that competitors will not be allowed to enter the box, but will be able to freely choose their choice of tires, within the limit of their capital allocated to the event.