Motorists approaching the city are met by temporary traffic signs indicating diversion routes or the direction of the colour-coded car parks. Bleu, Vert, Rouge… words instantly recognisable to all foreign visitors to Le Mans, even those whose memories of childhood French lessons are somewhat hazy. Yes, the magic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans stretches far beyond the confines of the circuit. Race fever spreads to the city centre where it contaminates those who might have been considered immune: the pharmacist, the bookseller, the jeweller… Their stores are closed – Sunday is still a day of rest for most of France – but their window displays say it all. Welcome to Le Mans!

Every shopkeeper adds their own personal touch to create a unique atmosphere. In one window, miniature race cars appear to hurtle down pairs of shoes. A few strides away, the proportions are reversed as the towering heels of Marine Métairie, the recently crowned Miss 24 Hours, step carefully around an imposing German prototype. Despite the mandatory nature of scrutineering, the drivers enjoy the laid-back atmosphere and the opportunity to get up close to the fans. “This is a great emotion today,” Villorba Corse team manager Raimondo Amadio admits. “This is the culmination of a 20-year-old dream and today it becomes reality.” Reigning champion and record holder for the fastest lap on the current 24 Hours circuit, Neel Jani makes the most of the final moments of relaxation before the serious business begins. “The Porsche Team is ready, but I suspect that Toyota is even readier!” That’s another story, and one that will begin on Wednesday with the first practice sessions.

For the time being, those that are usually behind the scenes are thrust into the spotlight as they proudly push their machines along in front of the line of spectators linking the various scrutineering stations. “Elsewhere, scrutineering takes place in the paddock, away from the crowds,” a Larbre Competition mechanic explains. “It’s so different here. The people are really passionate and inquisitive. They want to see it all and ask plenty of questions so they know what’s going on.” By the end of scrutineering on Monday evening, 180 drivers – professionals and amateurs combined – will be given the same treatment: a reception reserved for the heroes that they all are! Scrutineering continues tomorrow when the crowds will again turn out to see Ferrari (AF Corse), Vaillante Rebellion, Toyota, Alpine, Ford and more.

Photo: Scrutineering in Le Mans’ Place de la République is as popular as ever.