Geneva, 5 June 2024 – On Saturday 15 June at 4.00 p.m. local time, 186 drivers across 62 cars will contest motor sport’s legendary race against the clock, the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 2024, the event marks its 101st year, heralding the next century of excellence at the world’s oldest and most prestigious endurance race. Rolex has supported the 24 Hours of Le Mans as the Exclusive Major Partner and the Official Timepiece since 2001, recognizing the intrinsic qualities that are required for this challenge: durability, dedication and exceptional performance. As the weekend’s action commences at Circuit de la Sarthe, the Rolex countdown clock will bear witness to the most exhilarating 24 hours on the motor sport calendar.

Jenson Button a Rolex Testimonee and the 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion, returns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans next weekend. Looking ahead to the event, he says:

Reflecting on the Swiss watchmaker’s long-term support of the contest, Button continues:

The evolution and growing popularity of endurance racing worldwide has attracted new automotive manufacturers to the top class, the Hypercar category, including Alpine, BMW and Lamborghini, alongside defending champion, Ferrari. This expansion has also drawn an experienced and diverse driver line-up, who are captivated by the allure of this ultimate test of skill and stamina. Ahead of the main event, spectators will experience a world-first preview of the H2 category hydrogen prototype vehicles as part of MissionH24, aligning with the race’s long-term commitment to zero-emission mobility. The pioneering H2 category is set to challenge the supremacy of the Hypercar category into the future, championing the highest standards of engineering and environmental stewardship. 

Rolex Testimonee Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, reflects on the changing landscape of the sport, a decade since he retired from endurance racing. He says:

After a relentless twice-around-the-clock race, the triumphant drivers at the 24 Hours of Le Mans will grace the podium and have their legacy etched onto the winners’ trophy. In recognition of their unwavering commitment and quest for excellence, they will also be awarded a specially engraved Oyster Perpetual Cosmograph Daytona, one of the greatest accolades in motor sport. 

ROLEX AND MOTOR SPORT

Rolex’s close ties with motor sport date back to Sir Malcolm Campbell’s World Land Speed Record successes in the 1930s, when he became the first driver to break the 300 mph barrier (483 km/h) at the wheel of his car, Bluebird. Since then, Rolex’s presence in motor racing has grown steadily, its support extending to revered endurance events such as the Rolex 24 At DAYTONA, the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship. In 2013, Rolex became associated with Formula 1®, the pinnacle of motor sport, having supported Rolex Testimonee Sir Jackie Stewart since 1968. The three-time FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion has been joined by fellow high achievers from the world of motor sport: Tom Kristensen, the record nine-time 24 Hours of Le Mans winner, Mark Webber, the multiple Formula 1® race winner and 2015 FIA World Endurance Champion, and Jenson Button, the 2009 FIA Formula 1® Drivers’ World Champion. Most recently, Jamie Chadwick, Indy NXT driver, three-time W Series champion and the sport's most exciting young female talent became part of the Rolex family. The brand also has a global appreciation for classic automotive events steeped in elegance, beauty and tradition, including the Pebble Beach Concours d’Elegance®, The Quail, A Motorsports Gathering, the Rolex Monterey Motorsports Reunion and the Goodwood Revival.