24 Hours of Le Mans 2022 news updates - Jose Maria Lopez leads way in early stages of famous endurance race

Early stages Jose Maria Lopez was leading the way in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. A first stint was completed by Mike Conway, but the Toyota Gazoo Racing #7 was in prime position. Ad/> Despite starting on pole, the Toyota Gazoo Racing #8, which kicked off its race with Sebastian Buemi at the wheel, have found their fellow team members ahead of them and in control of the Hypercar category.

/> Le Mans 24hrWatch scary moment Iron Lynx Ferrari does not see fellow driver and spins offAN HOUR AGO The start of Le Mans didn't come without drama. The United Autosport Oreca #22 was clipped by the WRT #31, sending the #22 car into the gravel. The WRT #31, which was being driven by Rene Rast, later got a one-minute stop-go penalty for its part in the situation.

In the LMP2 class, the JOTA #38 has been well in control up front thanks to a fantastic driver from Antonio Felix de Costa. The Prema Orlen #9 car has been its nearest competitor but was left sitting in third, behind the Team Penske #5. Corvette racing #63 was in the front seat in GTE Pro with Weathertech Racing #79 leading the way in GTE Am.

All 62 cars were still competing. 24 Hours of Le Mans live updates and times — Early drama as 90th edition gets underway 'Already someone is off!' — Crash sees immediate drama in chaotic Le Mans start 'Wow!' — Helicopter dive stuns Le Mans fans in amazing pre-race show HOW CAN I WATCH 24 HOURS OF LE MANS? You can watch the 24 Hours of Le Mans across Eurosport, the Eurosport app and discovery+. Enjoy the action ad-free on the Eurosport app and via eurosport.co.uk.

Download the Eurosport app now for iOS and Android. You can sign up for discovery+ for just £6.99 per month or £59.99 annually. We will also have rolling coverage on the