24h Le Mans
Today, 2 June 2019, the 62 entrants for the 24 Hours of Le Mans had eight hours to get to grips with the ins-and-outs of the iconic circuit. Test Day is mandatory for first-time Le Mans drivers but seasoned drivers and experienced teams are also grateful for the opportunity to take to the track with 13 days to go before one of the most important days in the year.
Many won’t have been to Le Mans since last year’s race. For first-timers everything will be new. All will have been looking forward to taking to the 13.626-km circuit in preparation for the big race. By all accounts, the field made good use of the day-long session. The weather was splendid: 37°C on the track and an air temperature of 31°C.
After yesterday’s static photo call, the 62 cars sprang into action today, each crew sizing up the opponents. The 43 teams fielding the 62 cars on the grid are split into four classes: 8 in LMP1, 20 in LMP2, 17 in LMGTE PRO and 17 in LMGTE Am. The 33 rookies all completed their mandatory ten laps, five of which had to be officially timed.
Testing was the operative word today, from tyre compounds, to pit stop operations and fuel consumption. Then there were checks on reliability and resistance and revision of the rulebook. It may only be a test run, but it is by no means easy going! Drivers were introduced to a few slight alterations to the circuit: a resurfaced area, rumble strips in new angles, narrower passages and areas with more rubber deposits than before.
The new Full Course Yellow procedure was also tested today. Race Control had the ideal opportunity to check that the rules were fully understood by all and the army of track marshals ensured the procedure ran smoothly.
Top of the time sheets today were:
On Tuesday, teams may use the Bugatti track for last-minute checks. Toyota, Porsche, Rebellion, Aston Martin and United Autosports have all lodged a request to do so. Two weeks from now, the winners of the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA world endurance champions will be celebrating!
>> Classification - Test Day <<
