Audi and Peugeot fighting for victory in the 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 24 Hours of Le Mans celebrates its 79th running with 56 cars entered to start the race on Saturday, June 11, at 3pm GMT.

The major rivalry this year continues to be between the Audi and Peugeot cars competing in the premiere LMP1 category. Aston Martin has also entered two cars in the class, which could be dark horses in anything goes wrong for Audi or Peugeot.

Audi is bringing its new R18 while Peugeot continues to use the 908 HDI. Despite Audi winning Le Mans last year with the R15, major questions hang over the new R18. The car was not ready for the 12 Hours of Sebring and has only competed in once race prior to Le Mans. Peugeot took the first and third spots at Sebring and will be looking to continue the winning streak.

While it lacks the major rivalry found in the LMP1 class, LMP2 makes up for it with quality of competition and variety of cars. Last year's class winner Strakka Racing is returning in a Honda Performance Development car, and Level 5 Racing who campaigned an LMP1 Audi R10 last year has switched to the LMP2 class in an HPD-powered coupe.

The GT classes have been combined this year to increase competition, and it certainly looks to have worked with 28 cars from seven manufacturers entered into the race. BMW won at Sebring in March. Sebring's pole setting team AF Corse competing with a Ferrari 458 Italia driven by ex-Formula 1 driver Giancarlo Fisichella will be a sure favorite. However, do not count out the Corvette Racing team, which finished one place ahead of AF Corse at Sebring.

There is a clear weather forecast and lots of competition, so it should be a great race to watch this weekend. If you live somewhere where you are unable to watch the race, radiolemans.com will be broadcasting audio commentary online for the entire race. Also, please join us in the message boards, where we will be discussing everything about Le Mans all weekend long. You can start leaving your opinions on our thread.

Just click here