The entry list for Le Mans is limited to 55 cars spread across the 4 categories. 29 entries are "pre-selected", that is to say if they enter, their entry will be accepted. This only applies if the entry is to the same category as it was pre-selected for. This privilege belongs to the team and is not related to car or engine make. The pre-selections in each category are:-

• 1st and 2nd at 2010 Le Mans in each category
• 1st and 2nd in 2010 LMS in each category
• 1st in 2010 Intercontinental Le Mans Cup each category
• 1st at 2010 Petit Le mans in each category
• 1st in 2010 ALMS or 2nd in ALMS in each category if winner also won Petit Le Mans
• 1st 2010 Michelin Energy Endurance Challenge

There will also be a 56th pre-selected entry based on technological interest

The criteria for selection are deliberately vague, the following is a quote from the ACO regulations outlining the "rules":-

a. The following criteria are at the Selection Committee’s discretion.
b. The list is not exhaustive and with no priority classification.

• A maximum of two (2) cars per competitor
• Fame of the competitor (manufacturer, factory-backed team, well-known private team, private team)
• Previous "24 Hours of Le Mans" races
• Competitors' record
• Regular entries in "American Le Mans Series" and "Le Mans Series" events
• Recommended entry in a race prior to the Selection Committee meeting
• Quality of the cars
• Technical interest
• Relationship with the A.C.O. and its environment regarding legal and financial issues
• Maintaining the participation of "privateers"
• Etc.