1949 24 Hours of Le Mans

The 1949 24 Hours of Le Mans was the 17th Grand Prix of Endurance, and took place on June 25 and 26 1949.

This was the first race held following the end of World War II. The war (and specifically the invasion of France) had caused racing at Le Mans to be stopped following the 1939 event and later elsewhere in the world.

Even though the war had ended four years prior, major reconstruction throughout France meant that the return of the race was of secondary concern, and thus was not run until after France had established itself again.

Luigi Chinetti won the race in the first Ferrari barchetta by driving 23.5 hours. This race also saw the death of French driver Pierre Marechal when his Aston Martin DB1 was involved in an accident late in the race.

Statistics

 * Fastest Lap - #4 Charles Pozzi - 5:12.5
 * Distance - 3178.299 km
 * Average Speed - 132.420 km/h

Trophy Winners

 * 15th Rudge-Whitworth Biennial Cup - #22 Lord Selsdon
 * Index of Performance - #22 Lord Selsdon