So what is the Drivers Parade all about?

Every year on the eve of the big day, historic vehicles transport all the drivers entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans slowly through the city centre. Starting at Place des Jacobins at 17:00, each three-driver crew sets off in turn along a specially planned route through the crowds lining the city streets. Along the way, they hand out picture postcards, give away a few tee-shirts and other goodies and sign autographs.

The magnificent 24 Hours trophy leads the way at the head of the procession. The trophies for the best rookie in qualifying, the record number of appearances in the race, pole position and the Classic Automotive trophée d’honneur are presented on this occasion. This year Classic Automotive, the Parade organiser, has chosen Jean-Pierre Jaussaud as guest of honour. The French driver won the 24 Hours of Le Mans not once, but twice! He triumphed in 1978 with Didier Pironi (Renault Alpine A442) and again in 1980 with Jean Rondeau (Rondeau M379).

Driver’s impressions…

Paul-Loup Chatin, #48 Oreca 07-Gibson, IDEC Sport (LMP2): It’s the final moments before the race and there is a sense of communion with the spectators. They come from all over, some are dyed-in-the-wool motorsport fans, others are just here to see the race and have a good time. It’s a unique moment in a driver’s career. We put the competitive element aside for two hours but, as soon as it’s over, we switch straight back to “race mode”. You need to know how to best deal with it and enjoy it at the same time. It’s not easy to find the right balance!

Nicolas Lapierre, #36 Alpine A470, Signatech Alpine Matmut (LMP2): You feel the buzz from the crowds up close and you sense that the big day is just around the corner. Qualifying is over and so you know a bit more about your car’s performance and about your rivals too. It’s also a chance to get together with the drivers because, over the week, we don’t have time to see the other teams. At the parade, everyone’s there and we’re all a bit more relaxed.

Harry Tincknell, #67 Ford GT, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK (LMGTE Pro): It’s just magic. You feel like a celebrity – a true rock star! People shout your name, they ask for an autograph or a photo. They also want all the goodies [postcards, pens, tee-shirts, etc.] that we have in the car with us [the drivers ride along on the back of open-top classic cars]. There’s nothing like it at any other race anywhere in the world. It’s like being in Hollywood! People are clapping, cheering, and it’s very noisy, but so much fun. When you come every year, they get to know you too. As I drive for Ford, they always talk to me about the historic battles with Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It’s good to feel all that passion.

Olivier Beretta, #70 Ferrari 488 GTE, MR Racing (LMGTE Am): It’s the last moment of relaxation before the race! The only flat note is that the Parade starts a bit too late for me [Olivier will have been pleased to learn that the Parade now starts at 17:00, thirty minutes earlier than in previous years!]. It’s great fun though and well organised. We’re close to the crowds and this is what the spirit of Le Mans is all about. It’s a moment of communion between the drivers and the public and it really must be maintained.