“Le Mans 24 Hours is like a Cock Robin gig, it’s something you should experience at least once in your life”, jokes Peter Kingsbery, front man of the American band. “Just like the drivers out there, I can make a mistake, forgetting the words for example. If that happens, I have to do something extraordinary to make up for it. A gig is a performance, you need stamina. You’ve got to be really in the moment, put all your energy into it and make sure the group comes across as seamless, with no weak links anywhere. Rehearsals are all-important before a tour or a show, like the practice sessions before the race.” No worries there, then: Kingsbery, who lives in France, (formerly between Paris and Le Mans, as he proudly states), is ready.

Britons Franz Ferdinand are gearing up to vie with the drivers in explosive energy and stamina.

Bass player Robert Hardy, a fan of Formula One driver Nigel Mansell who attempted the 24-Hour challenge in 2010, is looking forward to his own Le Mans moment: “I’m hoping to make the most of the event. A 24-Hour race is crazy! In the group, I think we have the same team spirit as a football squad or a driver crew. We’re performers too and it’s going to be exciting to be before such a huge crowd, a show within the show - which is what this race is. Many Brits come to watch the race. They love it."

They might be Le Mans rookies, but both groups are experts when it comes to team performance and endurance. The venue for all concerts is the stage at the foot of the Dunlop Footbridge, on the outside of the track. Race tickets include admission to concerts.

• Diva Faune : Wednesday 12 June 20:00
• Cock Robin : Thursday 13 June 20:00
• Radio RTL2 show with Dj Loran : ​Friday 14 June 21:30 
• Franz Ferdinand : Saturday 15 June from 20:00

Get your tickets for the 87th 24 Hours of Le Mans (15–16 June).