Le Mans 24hr race - in pictures

Under the hood: Corvette mechanics go to work on their machine Photograph: Richard White

Mario and Luigi are among the fans track-side. Presumably they're searching for Princess Peach in the paddock Photograph: Richard White

And they're not the only ones dressed up for the occasion - here are some Oompa Loompas heading for the start-line Photograph: Richard White

Jean Todt waves the Tricolor to start the Le Mans 24hr race Photograph: Richard White

Strakka Racing's prototype hits the rumble strip Photograph: Richard White

Level 5 Motorsport's mechanic 'English Bob' gets ready for a pit stop Photograph: Richard White

Full service: Oreca mechanics go to work Photograph: Richard White

One of the BMW factory entries sheds its right rear tyre Photograph: Richard White

Schematics in the Peugeot pit Photograph: Richard White

No9 Peugeot hits the apex at speed Photograph: Richard White

The sun sets over the tribunes Photograph: Richard White

Lighting up time at the forest esses Photograph: Richard White

Cars go three abreast across the start-finish line at night Photograph: Richard White

Bottoms up: An Audi mechanic straps his driver in Photograph: Richard White

Tiago Monterio remains fully focused during a pit stop Photograph: Richard White

Peugeot sportingly show their support after Mike Rockenfeller's crash Photograph: Richard White

The Peugeot team assess their options. But there's little they can do now to prevent their rivals winning ... Photograph: Richard White

Andre Lotterer in the No2 Audi team takes the chequered flag Photograph: Richard White

The winning Audi soaks up the accolades of the crowd in parc ferme Photograph: Richard White