Le Mans 24 hour race

Race day: The 55-car grid lines up Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

The sharp end: Peugeots line up at the front of the grid Photograph: Guardian

Final preperation with five minutes to the off Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Engines on: The grid clears as drivers wait for the rolling start to begin Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Line astern: Audi's Allan McNish snapping at the heals of the leading Peugeots on the first lap Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Racing icon: Sweeping into the Dunlop curves Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Fans enjoying the spectacle Photograph: Richard White/Guardian

Text message: No2 car's pit board Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

The bigger picture: Pit crew in action on the No1 car Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

A brief moment of quiet at Dunlop during the night Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Night racing presents a unique challenge at Le Mans Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

The fairground overlooks the start-finish straight Photograph: Richard White/Guardian

Lighting up time: Speedy Racing's Lola Photograph: Richard White/Guardian

Full throttle: Close up with a Peugeot Photograph: Richard White/Guardian

Aston Martin's GT1 class winner eases into the lead Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

The Aston Martin-powered Lola weathers the storm towards the end of the race Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Last out: Tom Kristensen exits the pits for the final time on the way to his, and Audi's, eighth Le Mans victory Photograph: Richard White /Guardian

Flag day: Allan McNish, Tom Kristensen and Dindo Capello celebrate a monumental win Photograph: Richard White/Guardian