24h Le Mans
With Scrutineering and Test Day a done deal, the 186 drivers entered in the 24 Hours are now gearing up for today's briefing, official photo, autograph session and a new event this year: the Pit Stop Challenge for team mechanics.
Before the official free practice tomorrow at 14:00, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest has plenty in store for today. The 186 drivers entered in the 90th 24 Hours will first take part in a briefing led by race director Eduardo Freitas, then head to the track for an autograph session and the official photo.
Pit lane will open to the public from 14:00 to 17:00 and fans will get to meet their favourite teams and drivers with a session from 14:00 to 15:00 for autographs and selfies. This event is a fan favourite each year, so don't miss out!
The Pit Stop Challenge is a new event for the mechanics of all 62 teams, with the crew executing the fastest refuelling declared the winner. At the 24 Hours, four mechanics in pairs change the tyres during each pit stop. The first duo is responsible for the pneumatic gun (limited to two), while the second is responsible for the wheels themselves. The task requires top physical fitness as a tyre weighs more than 20 kg and the pneumatic gun 6 kg! The operation is repeated hundreds of times in any given season and is carried out like a well-choreographed ballet. Every second lost could mean the difference between victory and defeat. The first ever Pit Stop Challenge is scheduled for 15:30 to 17:00.
Once the briefing held by race director Eduardo Freitas is concluded, the 186 drivers will take the track for the official drivers photo at 18:00.
After two cancellations in a row, the twinning committee and the municipality of Ruaudin have kept the themes chosen for 2020: Porsche's first win and the filming of Steve McQueen's movie "Le Mans." The evening to be held at the Ruaudin sporting complex will include four sets of cars: Porsches, exceptional GTs, 1970s autos, all marques of sports and collection cars. One exposition will be dedicated to the iconic Porsche 917 and another to the film "Le Mans." The presentation of the fifth marshals' trophy by a former driver will also take place as well as extraction demonstrations performed by marshals.
Tuesday 7 June from 16:00 to 23:00, complexe sportif de Ruaudin (Ruaudin sporting complex), free admission.
Merchants, artisans, various companies and the town of Neuville-sur-Sarthe located approximately 20 km from the circuit are offering an opportunity to relive last year's running of the 24 Hours with a showing of the official 2021 film on a giant screen. An exposition organised by auto clubs Club Auto Passion 72, Ford Racing Team Le Mans and Club des Harleys is also on the programme.
Tuesday 7 June starting at 18:00, plage du Vieux Moulin à Neuville-sur-Sarthe (Vieux Moulin beach in Neuville-sur-Sarthe), catering on-site, free admission.
14:00 – 17:00 | Pit Walk
14:00 – 15:00 | Autograph Session
15:00 | Official Drivers Photo
15:30 – 17:00 | Pit Stop Challenge
16:00 – 23:00 | The R’Hunaudières
18:00 | Neuville in the Race
