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Why the F1 stars are invading Le Mans

Two Formula 1 world champions, one of them still an active grand prix racer, are heading to Le Mans this season, along with a group of recent F1 racers and a multiple GP winner. What's attracted the likes of Alonso, Button and Montoya to the 24 Hours?

Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button are getting all the headlines, but the former McLaren team-mates aren't the only ex-Formula 1 drivers making their Le Mans 24 Hours debuts this year.

Grand prix winners Juan Pablo Montoya and Pastor Maldonado, plus former F1 midfield stars Paul di Resta and Felipe Nasr are also going to be on the grid for the World Endurance Championship showpiece for the first time.

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Author Gary Watkins

Gary Watkins has, for reasons best known to himself, devoted all his working life to covering sportscar racing. This season is his 33rd as a motorsport journalist, during which time he has reported on major long-distance events on four continents and approaching 80 24-hour races. He reckons a degree in political philosophy makes him well qualified for covering the sometimes Machiavellian world of international sportscars.

Gary, who also writes for Motor Sport, Autocourse, RACER and others, lives in Surbiton close to the former workshops of the Cooper Formula 1 team but spends more time on the road than at home for most of the year.