The field will be released by a starter for whom cars and racing are both a career and a passion.

A major player in the automotive industry, Mr Tavares is also a keen amateur racing driver. He will be particularly involved in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans, as official starter of the world’s greatest endurance race.

Shortly before the race is due to start, Mr Tavares will be handed the French national flag in spectacular ceremony before lowering it to signal the beginning of 24 hours of intense competition.

Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Carlos Tavares as starter of the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans underlines the strong ties, the unity, between our race and the automotive industry. For manufacturers, the 24 Hours of Le Mans represents an outstanding testing ground and a place in the limelight on the worldwide stage. Le Mans guarantees international coverage and a chance to take the lead in energy transition. Peugeot has an excellent record at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and a promising future too. Peugeot has already made its mark at Le Mans, by winning three times, with the 905 and the 908, two impressive machines. I’m grateful to Carlos Tavares for accepting our invitation to be starter of this year’s race, which will be all about unity and the vibrancy of motoring and motor racing.”

Carlos Tavares, chairman of the Managing Board of Groupe PSA: "I am honoured to be the starter of the 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans. As you know, I am passionate about motorsport, I am passionate about the automotive field, and I am passionate about technology and the 24 Hours of Le Mans combines all three. Peugeot will soon be racing again, and as the starter of this edition, I would like to draw attention to the fact that Peugeot will be back in endurance in 2022 and that the whole company is behind the project. Peugeot won three times with two different technologies and now we are aiming for victory with hybrid technology. I would like to thank the Automobile Club de l’Ouest for giving me this privilege. Also, I would like to thank warmly all the teams that are going to compete and everyone who contributes to the organisation of this event, especially in these challenging times."

The 2020 24 Hours of Le Mans will be run on 19–20 September behind closed doors, and in strict compliance with health and safety regulations.

Provisional entry list updated