This required the addition of large horizontal bodywork between the nose and fenders to shroud the suspension arms of the Speed 8.

In 2001 Bentley returned to the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race, after a gap of 68 years, for a planned three-year campaign with the EXP Speed 8 in the closed-cockpit LMGTP class.

Bentley returned in 2002, using their new larger engine, now running a lone entry as a testbed for the evolved Speed 8 in 2003.

For 2003, Bentley decided that their new evolved Speed 8 would need competitive testing in order to prepare for an overall win at Le Mans.

Returning to Le Mans with assistance from Joest Racing, a Bentley started from pole position.

With no works Audi team participating, the two cars were able to lead nearly the entire event, with the #7 entry ahead of the #8, which had some electrical problems during the race.

This helped give the Volkswagen Group their fourth straight victory at Le Mans, split between the Audi and Bentley brands.