Overview
- The 2026 race gathers 161 entries with 41 GT3 cars from nine brands, with a new three‑segment Top‑Qualifying set for Friday that mirrors Formula 1 knockout sessions.
- Organizers report sold‑out ticket categories and will close the Saturday box office, urging fans to arrive early or carpool due to limited parking, campsites and access roads.
- Viewers get extensive access, with RTL+ carrying key qualifying blocks, NITRO running a weekend TV marathon, and Motorsport‑Total.com streaming the full event from May 14–17.
- Max Verstappen will share a Winward Mercedes‑AMG GT3 with Jules Gounon, Lucas Auer and Daniel Juncadella, and he warned that Balance of Performance—rules that adjust weight and power to equalize cars—could decide the outcome.
- Ford motorsport chief Mark Rushbrook said they hold regular talks with Verstappen about sportscar options including Hypercars, noting no deal is in place and that F1 calendar clashes often block a Le Mans start.