Held every year since 1923, the legendary 24-hour race at Le Mans draws an annual crowd of more than 200000 spectators to the French region of La Sarthe. Around the world, this long-distance motor racing classic is viewed as one of the greatest challenges for man and machine. 24 hours of peak performance are required from anyone hoping to step up onto the winners’ podium.

One of the special features is the fact that cars in different classes start in the same race. This guarantees edge-of-the-seat racing excitement with plenty of overtaking manoeuvres. Currently, two prototypes classes (“LMP1” and “LMP2”) and two GT classes (“GT1” and “GT2”) are hoping to drive their way to victory.

On the basis of these technical regulations, North America launched its American Le Mans Series (ALMS) back in 1999, and Europe established the Le Mans Series (LMS) in 2004.

In addition to the 911 GT3 RSR in the GT2 class, in 2008, for the first time ever, up to three teams entered RS Spyders in the LMP2 class of the Le Mans Series and Le Mans 24 Hours. It was a great success: class wins were achieved in all five LMS races and a fantastic victory was scored in the driver, team and manufacturer championship. A double victory in the LMP2 class at Le Mans 24 Hours was also cause for celebration.

The LMS championship in the GT2 class was a nail-biting event right up to the end. The best-placed 911 GT3 RSR team was just narrowly beaten into second place.