Le Mans saw the overdue demise of the GT1 class in 1999, with cars like Toyota’s GT-One TS020 now more appropriately categorised as prototypes.

Newcomers Audi entered two works supported teams in the form of Audi Sport Team Joest and Audi Sport UK – the start of a long and fruitful association with the race for the German manufacturer.

As one German sportscar manufacturer arrived another departed: Porsche followed up their 1998 triumph by taking a break from Le Mans which was to last until 2014.

With Audi, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Nissan, Panoz and Toyota there was no shortage of quality in the field and fans eagerly anticipated a mighty tussle for the top spot.

1999 will forever be remembered for one of the most shocking moments of Le Mans history as Mercedes-Benz driver Peter Dumbreck found the take-off speed of his CLR on the Mulsanne Straight – fortunately with no serious injuries.

Despite the drama the race for Le Mans glory went through the night and right into the last few minutes of the epic race.

The Official Review of the 1999 24 Hours of Le Mans will have you on the edge of your seat from the moment the lights go out until the last wave of the chequered flag.