BEFORE THE RACE

24 Hours of Le Mans Race Week kicks off today with the traditional Scrutineering sessions on Place de la République in Le Mans city centre (Sunday 9 June from 14:00 to 19:00 and Monday 10 June, from 10:00 to 19:00). The drivers and their cars will undergo a series of checks to make sure they comply with the FIA WEC World Endurance Championship regulations. Find out more about what happens on these two exciting days and how to get here: Scrutineering.

On Tuesday 11 June, from 17:00 to 18:30, the pit lane is open to fans for a chance to meet the drivers, enjoy a chat and collect autographs. Come along and relish in the festive atmosphere!

Track action begins for the 62 cars entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Wednesday 12 June, from 16:00 to 20:00 for free practice, followed by the first qualifying session from 22:00 to midnight. Qualifying continues on Thursday 13 June, with two sessions, one from 19:00 to 21:00 and the other from 22:00 to midnight. There will be a fierce battle to establish the starting grid and the cars in pole position.

Spectators can take a peek inside the garages and get a close-up view of the 62 cars on Friday 14 June, from 10:00 to 20:00. A chance to watch the teams as they make the final tweaks to their set-ups.

Don’t miss the Drivers Parade on Friday 14 June in Le Mans city centre from 17:00 to 18:30. The event, organised by Classic Automotive in partnership with the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.

The best vantage points around the circuit

Whether you’re a regular racegoer or this is your first time, there are a few spots you really must visit if you want the full 24 Hours experience! First of all, don’t miss the start of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. Watch it from the Pit Straight where the cars will be unleashed just after a fly-past by the French air force.

Other legendary spots include Tertre Rouge, Mulsanne and Arnage, where the track winds around some very tight corners forcing the drivers to brake hard, then accelerate back out of the bend. You can sometimes witness some spectacular overtaking.

The best time to be at the Link-Up Corner (Raccordement) is during “golden hour” to view the sunset and admire the pit lane bathed in golden light.

Early on Sunday morning, take in the first rays of dawn as the sun rises over the Dunlop bridge.

Another vantage point: the grandstands just opposite the garages, next to the ACO head office. It’s hard to think of a better place to watch the drivers take to the track or witness refuelling, repairs and driver changes.

Are you a Club ACO member? Then you can benefit from a number of advantages and members-only access. For example, the members-only grandstands and the hospitality suites offering an unbeatable view over the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans and the race.

You can sign up to enjoy these benefits at a very special rate. Head for the members’ area at the foot of the grandstand or click here to become a member.

Entertainment and activities

The Fan Zone at the heart of the Race Village is open all week. It hosts an array of exhibitions, stands and stores, and is the venue for the Critérium du jeune conducteur driving challenge for children aged 8-12 years. You can also try out a driving simulator here.

Music fans are treated to four concerts on the stage next to the Dunlop Footbridge with Diva Faune at 20:00 on Wednesday 13 June, Cock Robin at 20:00 on Thursday 13 June, the RTL2 DJ set with DJ Loran from 21:30 on Friday 14 June, then Dissident followed by Franz Ferdinand from 20:00 on Saturday 15 June.

There is plenty more to do and see all week, with the funfair, open every day from 10:00 to midnight, the ‘1949-1959: the Birth of Legends’ exhibition at Ruaudin, the “Neuville dans la course”, “Le virage de Mulsanne” and “Arnage dans la course” events and The Classic British Welcome at St Saturnin.

There are also several support races during the week with Road to Le Mans featuring a line-up of GT3s and LMP3s, and the Ferrari Challenge.

Are you a die-hard racing fan, a Le Mans enthusiast or just interested in learning more about the world of racing and the race’s history? Then don’t miss the 24 Hours of Le Mans Museum. Take a journey back in time to see how the 24 Hours of Le Mans earned its iconic status. Special attractions make the tour fun, even for the youngest visitors. To mark the 20th anniversary of BMW’s victory at Le Mans, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest’s latest exhibition at the Museum is entitled ‘Art and Victory’ and runs from 27 May to 6 October 2019. It offers a new take on the legendary endurance race’s history, exploring 80 years of BMW at Le Mans (1939-2019). Follow the guide!

Where to eat

There are thirty places around the circuit offering a wide range of snacks, meals and drinks.

All the info you need

For key information on the 24 Hours of Le Mans and events happening at the circuit all year round, you can download the free Le Mans Info Circuit app from App Store and Google Play.

The 24H Le Mans app, also available from both platforms, provides news on the 24 Hours of Le Mans. There is a Premium Pack, available for Le Mans only, offering exclusive content (live images from practice sessions and the race, standings, etc.)

The website lists the full 24 Hours of Le Mans Race Week schedule.

To follow the race in real time, see live text commentary on www.lemans.org or listen to Radio 24 Heures on 91.5 FM.

Need further information? There are four Info Points: at the northern entrance to the Village, the southern Paddock entrance, at the Link-Up and at Le Houx camping area entrance. There are also 12 big screens around the circuit.

Other useful services

Helmet storage, cloakrooms and lockers are available at the Circuit’s northern entrace.

To help you get around the circuit, there is a free shuttle service for spectators with a General Enclosure ticket. Download the Zenbus (AppStore and Google Play) for assistance.

No battery left on your mobile? You can borrow a portable charger (subject to conditions).

There are several first-aid stations around the circuit if you need medical assistance.

Love the sound of the engines? You should still protect your ears - and be extra careful with your children: go to the Acoufun Motor stand at the Circuit’s northern entrance or to one of the official stores, where you can buy a pair of ear plugs (or pick-up a pair free for under-16s at the first-aid stations).

>> Book your places for the 24 Hours of Le Mans now! <<

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, SATURDAY 1 JUNE 2019, TEST DAY. The cars line up on the track for the official photo.