Porsche, led by Formula One driver Nico Hulkenberg, have won their first 24 Hours of Le Mans race for 17 years after holding off the challenge of Audi in a tight duel.

The two German manufacturers had exchanged the lead early on but Porsche managed to fend off their rivals, who had won 13 of the previous 15 races.

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The 83rd edition of the race was halted four times, but Germany’s Hulkenberg came home in first place — alongside his two co-drivers Earl Bamber of New Zealand and Englishman Nick Tandy — after controlling the lead for the final few hours of the race.

It was a terrific race for Porsche, who also claimed second place, with former F1 driver Mark Webber steering home the other car alongside Brendon Hartley and Timo Bernhard.

Audi, the dominant force for so many years recently, put up a brave fight but their reign as champions is over with Porsche claiming a record 17th triumph.

More than 250,000 spectators attended the marathon race, which extends for 13,629 kilometres (8,469 miles).