The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans was a truly unique race, guys! Held under unusual circumstances due to the global situation, it still delivered all the drama and excitement we've come to expect from this legendary endurance event. So, who conquered the Circuit de la Sarthe in 2020? Let's dive into the details and celebrate the winning teams.

The Unforgettable 2020 Race

The 2020 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will be remembered for many things. For starters, it was held in September instead of its usual June slot, with significantly fewer spectators in attendance. This created a slightly surreal atmosphere, but it didn't dampen the competitive spirit on the track. The race also marked the final Le Mans appearance for the LMP1 category, the top class of prototype racing, before the new Hypercar regulations came into effect. This added an extra layer of significance to the event, with manufacturers eager to secure a final victory in this prestigious category.

The race itself was filled with the typical Le Mans challenges: unpredictable weather, mechanical issues, and the relentless pressure of racing for 24 hours straight. Teams had to manage their cars, drivers, and strategies perfectly to have any chance of success. The competition was fierce across all classes, and the final results were a testament to the skill and dedication of the winning teams. Let's break down the winners in each category to truly appreciate their achievements.

LMP1: Toyota Gazoo Racing's Triumph

In the premier LMP1 class, Toyota Gazoo Racing secured a dominant victory with their #8 Toyota TS050 Hybrid driven by Sébastien Buemi, Kazuki Nakajima, and Brendon Hartley. This win marked Toyota's third consecutive victory at Le Mans, a remarkable achievement in the world of endurance racing. The #8 car led for a significant portion of the race, demonstrating the reliability and performance of the Toyota hybrid technology. Their victory was a fitting end to Toyota's successful LMP1 program.

The sister #7 Toyota, driven by Mike Conway, Kamui Kobayashi, and José María López, finished second, ensuring a 1-2 finish for the Japanese manufacturer. While the #7 car showed impressive pace, it encountered some minor issues during the race, preventing it from challenging the #8 car for the lead. Nevertheless, the result highlighted Toyota's superiority in the LMP1 category. The Rebellion Racing team, with their #1 Rebellion R13, completed the LMP1 podium, finishing a distant third. Despite a strong effort, they couldn't match the pace and reliability of the Toyotas.

This victory was especially sweet for Buemi and Nakajima, who were part of all three of Toyota's Le Mans-winning crews. For Hartley, it was his second Le Mans victory, having previously won with Porsche in 2017. The teamwork, strategy, and sheer determination displayed by the Toyota Gazoo Racing team were truly commendable. Winning Le Mans is never easy, and their consistent performance over the years is a testament to their dedication and expertise. The LMP1 category may be gone, but Toyota's legacy in this class will be remembered for years to come.

LMP2: United Autosports Clinches Victory

The LMP2 class saw a thrilling battle throughout the 24 hours, with several teams vying for the top spot. Ultimately, it was United Autosports who emerged victorious, with their #22 Oreca 07 driven by Filipe Albuquerque, Paul di Resta, and Phil Hanson. This was a significant win for the Anglo-American team, showcasing their growing strength in endurance racing. The #22 car ran a near-flawless race, combining consistent pace with excellent strategy and teamwork.

The competition in LMP2 was incredibly tight, with teams like JOTA Sport and G-Drive Racing also in contention for the win. The #38 JOTA Sport Oreca 07, driven by António Félix da Costa, Anthony Davidson, and Roberto González, finished second, just a lap behind the winning United Autosports car. The #26 G-Drive Racing Aurus 01, driven by Jean-Éric Vergne, Roman Rusinov, and Mikkel Jensen, completed the LMP2 podium, adding to the excitement of the class.

The LMP2 category is known for its intense competition, and the 2020 race was no exception. The drivers had to navigate heavy traffic from the GTE classes while pushing their cars to the limit. The United Autosports team executed their race perfectly, making smart strategic calls and minimizing errors. Their victory was a well-deserved reward for their hard work and preparation. The LMP2 class continues to be a breeding ground for future endurance racing stars, and the 2020 race highlighted the depth of talent in this category.

LMGTE Pro: Aston Martin's Dominant Performance

The LMGTE Pro class witnessed a dominant performance from Aston Martin Racing, with their #97 Aston Martin Vantage AMR driven by Maxime Martin, Alex Lynn, and Harry Tincknell taking the victory. This win marked Aston Martin's first Le Mans victory in the GTE Pro category since 2017 and was a fitting tribute to the brand's commitment to GT racing. The #97 car led for a significant portion of the race, demonstrating the pace and reliability of the Vantage AMR.

The #51 AF Corse Ferrari 488 GTE Evo, driven by James Calado, Alessandro Pier Guidi, and Daniel Serra, finished second, adding to the excitement of the GTE Pro battle. The #95 Aston Martin Vantage AMR, driven by Marco Sørensen, Nicki Thiim, and Richard Westbrook, completed the podium, ensuring a double podium finish for Aston Martin. The GTE Pro class is always fiercely competitive, with manufacturers like Ferrari, Porsche, and Corvette all vying for the win.

The 2020 race was particularly significant as it marked the final Le Mans appearance for the factory Corvette Racing team with their C7.R. While they didn't achieve a podium finish, their presence and contribution to the history of Le Mans are undeniable. The Aston Martin victory was a testament to their hard work and development of the Vantage AMR. The GTE Pro class continues to deliver thrilling racing action, and the 2020 edition was no exception.

LMGTE Am: TF Sport Secures the Win

In the LMGTE Am class, TF Sport emerged victorious with their #90 Aston Martin Vantage AMR driven by Charlie Eastwood, Salih Yoluç, and Jonathan Adam. This was a fantastic result for the British team, showcasing their ability to compete at the highest level of endurance racing. The #90 car ran a consistent and well-managed race, avoiding major issues and capitalizing on opportunities.

The #77 Dempsey-Proton Racing Porsche 911 RSR, driven by Christian Ried, Riccardo Pera, and Matt Campbell, finished second, demonstrating the competitiveness of the Porsche in the GTE Am category. The #98 Aston Martin Vantage AMR, driven by Paul Dalla Lana, Augusto Farfus, and Marcos Gomes, completed the podium, adding to Aston Martin's successful outing at Le Mans. The GTE Am class is known for its mix of professional and amateur drivers, creating a unique dynamic in the race.

The TF Sport victory was a testament to their teamwork and preparation. They executed their strategy flawlessly and managed to stay out of trouble, which is crucial in a 24-hour race. The GTE Am class often provides some of the most exciting battles on the track, and the 2020 race was no different. The mix of experience and enthusiasm in this category makes it a fan favorite.

Final Thoughts on the 2020 Le Mans

The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans was a race to remember, guys! From Toyota's dominant LMP1 performance to Aston Martin's GTE Pro triumph, there were plenty of memorable moments. The unique circumstances surrounding the race added an extra layer of intrigue, but the spirit of Le Mans remained as strong as ever. The winning teams demonstrated exceptional skill, teamwork, and determination, earning their place in the history of this legendary race. As we look forward to future editions of Le Mans, we can reflect on the 2020 race as a testament to the enduring appeal of endurance racing. The winners of each class deserve all the accolades for their incredible achievements. Le Mans always delivers, and 2020 was no exception!