Scrutineering is a batch of technical and administrative checks and one of the key events in the Le Mans race week. Fans especially enjoy this chance to get a glimpse of the cars and their drivers. The scrutineering sessions are held on Place de la République in the centre of Le Mans. All 60 cars competing in the race will line up with their drivers and, one by one, pass before the stewards to make sure they comply with the regulations.

Cars and drivers closely vetted

The cars are measured (length, width, wheel base, overhang, aerofoil height, fairing, etc.) then raised so that they can be inspected underneath. Then their bodywork is partially removed.

The drivers also undergo a series of checks, including their licence, helmet and fire suit. And, like the cars, they step up on to the scales so the average weight of each team can be recorded.

The first car up for scrutineering at 14:30 is Graff Racing’s #39 Oreca, while the last car to come forward today will be the #84 Ferrari from JMW Motorsport. It will submit to the scrutineers’ checks at 18:00. In all, 22 cars will pass before the ACO and FIA stewards today. The highlight will no doubt be the two Porsche 919 Hybrids for the Porsche LMP Team, due out at 16:00 and 16:10. Then there is Aston Martin Racing and its three Aston Martin Vantages (16:40, 16:50 and 17:00).

See the full scrutineering schedule.
Follow the scrutineering on live.

Book-signing sessions

To coincide with this first day of scrutineering, there will be two book-signing sessions. From 14:00 to16:00, then 17:00 to 19:00, writers Philippe Graton and Denis Lapière and colourist Christian Lerolle will be available to sign the latest Michel Vaillant album, ‘Rebellion’. At the same time, the writers and illustrators of ‘24 Heures du Mans – 1972-1974 : les années Matra’ will be signing copies of their book covering the Matra years.

Find these sessions on Place de la République, alongside scrutineering.

Visit the Cité Plantagenêt!

Le Mans was the birthplace of a royal dynasty - the House of Plantegenêt, which held the English throne from the 12th to the 15th century. The old city of Le Mans is surrounded by a Roman wall dating from the late 3rd century and spans some 9 hectares. Its narrow streets and medieval architecture were listed on France’s protected heritage list in 1974. Le Mans is also a listed ‘City of Art and History’ and the medieval district is definitely worth a visit while you are here.

Schedule

14:30 – 19:00: Le Mans 24 Hours scrutineering

14:00 – 16:00 then 17:00 – 19:00: Book-signings with the writers and illustrators of ‘Michel Vaillant - Rebellion’ and ‘24 Hours of Le Mans – 1972-1974 : les années Matra’, Place de la République, alongside scrutineering.

PHOTO: Le Mans race week kicks off with scrutineering, a mandatory step for the teams but also a festive occasion for fans, who really appreciate this chance to get up close to the drivers and cars.