2002

More than thirty years after Steve McQueen's Le Mans (1971), the circuit has once again been the setting for a major film production. The film is none other than an adaptation of the comic strip created by Jean Graton Michel Vaillant. Luc Besson, the producer and screenwriter of the film, was invited to give the event the green light. 

Bentley tries its luck again but only entered one car after returning to the competition last year. Audi and its four cars can aim for a third consecutive success within this context. But at the 24 Hours it is better to be wary of overly well-written scripts!

Audi does not spurn an opportunity if offered. The three Audis were soon in the lead within the first few hours. The no. 1 and the no. 2 first engaged in a battle for first place, however, in the first third of the race, the positions would be established and Audis 1, 2 and 3 would cross the finish line in order of their number.

Audi became the first manufacturer to win the Le Mans 24 Hours three times in a row with the same crew. The 24 Hours trophy has definitively been acquired by the German firm for this historic performance!

Audi knocks Michel Vaillant out! Michel Vaillant received funding for the construction of two additional stands for the film. In exchange, the organisers accepted that a "Valiant" and a "Leader" would take part in the race. The demands of the film led to a number of stoppages and the cars were unable to engage in battle.