Porsche held the lead with six hours of the 83rd edition of the Le Mans 24 Hours Race still to run on Sunday, with the race so far involving a tight duel between it and Audi.

The two carmakers had swapped the lead during the gruelling endurance event, which was halted four times, but come 0730 GMT, Nick Tandy was sitting in first position.

In second place was ex-Formula One driver Mark Webber, also in a Porsche.

Overnight, the Australian had slipped back when he received a one-minute, stop and go penalty for overtaking under yellow flags during the third appearance of the safety car, but managed to make up that time in the early hours of racing.

Porsche is in search of its first victory in 18 years, whereas Audi are the dominant force having won 13 of the past 15 races.

More than 250,000 spectators are expected to take in the marathon race, which extends for 13,629 kilometres (8,469 miles) and concludes at 1300GMT on Sunday
Source: AFP