Le Mans is a legend. The classic of all long distance races is the greatest challenge that motorsport has to offer. The 13.65 kilometre "Circuit des 24 Heures", one of the world’s oldest and fastest race tracks, is unique, with 75 percent of a lap taken at full throttle.

To win here you need a quick and reliable car, the best pilots and, of course, a highly experienced pit crew. In the history of the Le Mans 24 hour race, Porsche is by far the most successful manufacturer. Hans Hermann and Richard Attwood clinched the first overall victory for Porsche in 1970 at the wheel of a 917 short-tail. Their success paved the way for Porsche to secure another 15 overall wins and to take its place at the top of the winners’ list, with Ferrari (9 wins) and Audi (7 wins) following far behind. With four wins each, Jacky Ickx and Derek Bell are the most successful Porsche pilots in Le Mans. Porsche also holds the track record set by Jackie Oliver in 1971 in qualifying on pole position:

With the Porsche 917 long-tail coupé, he lapped the then 13.469 km circuit in 3:13.9 minutes – that’s an average speed of 250.069 kph. With the RS Spyder, Porsche returned to Le Mans in 2008 and celebrated its debut with a double victory in the LMP2 class. Last year as well, the sports prototype from Weissach won again. Moreover, thanks to its excellent overall efficiency, it clinched the environmental ‘Michelin Green X Challenge’ title.

Teams can also count on the Porsche 911 GT3 RSR in Le Mans. After victories in 2004, 2005 and 2007, the world’s most successful GT race car has won the GT2 class of the 2010 Le Mans 24 hour race. With their 911 GT3 RSR, fielded by German team Felbermayr-Proton, works drivers Marc Lieb, Richard Lietz and Wolf Henzler held a two-lap advantage over the second-placed. This victory at the 78th running of the 24 hour race in Le Mans marks the 98th success for Porsche at the prestigious long distance classic. For the ninth time, a race car based on the street legal 911 GT3 prevailed over its rivals. Positions three, five, seven and eight also went to drivers of the 450 hp Porsche. Moreover, the winning 911 also clinched the environmental “Michelin Green X Challenge” award as the GT car with the best efficiency.

The Porsche 911 GT3 RSR, developed according to the regulations of the production-based GT category and to the principles of the Porsche Intelligent Performance, will blast-off in 2011 to the toughest automobile race in the world with a slightly modified engine, significantly revised aerodynamics as well as improvements in the suspension.