Brembo supplies two-thirds of Le Mans entrants

Fifty-six race cars from around the world took to Le Mans on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June for the classic 24 Hours of Le Mans, and brake disc manufacturer, Brembo supplied more than two-thirds of the field with its lightweight, long-lasting brake technology. Lightness was of particular importance this year, as Audi’s No.1 R18 e-tron Quattro became the first event-winning hybrid. According to Brembo, most of the prototypes run lightweight monobloc aluminum calipers with carbon-carbon discs, 380mm in front and 355 or 332mm on the rear axle, while GT cars are required to use the heavier cast iron rotors. The Italian brake manufacturer has been dominant in its field at the 8.5-mile Circuit de la Sarthe and this year Brembo supplied 18 LMP prototypes and 18 GT cars, including every Aston Martin, Ferrari and Porsche.

Technology has always been at the forefront at Le Mans starting with the first radial tire in 1951, the first disc brake in 1953, the first turbo-charged race engine in 1974, the first win for a rotary engine in 1991 and the first victory for a diesel in 2006. 2012 saw the first win for a Hybrid engine as Audi Sport’s two hybrids came in first and second.

The vehicles beat challenges from the legendary French Team Pescarolo in LMP1, along with eight Orecas in LMP2, all of which were Brembo-equipped. Since Brembo began racing with Ferrari in 1975, the Italian manufacturer has been fitted to more world champions at more great venues like Le Mans, Daytona, Sebring, Monaco and Baja than any other competitor.