24h Le Mans
Test Day offers eight hours of track time to the 60 crews competing in the 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans. How do the teams put this time to good use? Where do their testing priorities lie? We asked four drivers – two from each prototype class – for their thoughts.
For title-holder Porsche and challenger Toyota, Test Day is when the serious business for the 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans really begins. The two favourites will use the day to put their highly sophisticated hybrid prototypes through their paces, especially as new FIA World Endurance Championship regulations have resulted in a number of changes to the cars.
New Porsche LMP Team member André Lotterer told us the German marque’s plans: “Neel Jani will start the session, followed by Nick Tandy and then me. The day will provide an opportunity to familiarise ourselves with the track and adjust the car’s balance. We shall test various settings, check tyre life and ensure that the power boost linked to the car’s hybrid technology is triggered where and when it’s needed. We can only test on this circuit once a year, so that’s why Test Day is so important. We haven’t planned to simulate a qualifying run as it’s not a priority here. We’ll also be keeping an eye on Toyota’s performances as they’re our only rival.”
The Toyota Gazoo Racing TS050 Hybrid was thoroughly revised during the close season and the Japanese team has the added issue of accommodating two new drivers. It will therefore be important to give driving time to Yuji Kunimoto and José María López, on top of the mandatory ten laps for rookies.
Nicolas Lapierre: “We have a lot to test on our car. We’ll be giving José María and Yuji plenty of time behind the wheel as it’s their first appearance here. They need to learn as quickly as possible. We’ll then test various aerodynamic configurations and different sets of tyres. Test Day is very important for us as it gives us an opportunity to work on the car’s set-up for the race. We are not starting from scratch as we already know the track and already have some data, but as it’s the first outing for this car on this circuit, we have plenty of things to look at.”
In LM P2, Test Day is also crucial with a view to the race itself as most teams are running new cars. They need to clock up the miles and see how the cars tackle the specific aspects of the 24 Hours circuit.
Tristan Gommendy, who will be taking the wheel of the #37 Oreca 07-Gibson for Jackie Chan DC Racing, explains: “As this is not a permanent racetrack, we know that it will not be rubbered in until Sunday afternoon. A good part of the morning session will therefore be devoted to understanding our aero package that we only use here. We have plenty to discover in that respect. We shall then work on the chassis settings. It’s an important day because if there are things to tweak on the car, we then have a week to get it right.”
Vincent Capillaire (#45 Ligier JSP217-Gibson, Algarve Pro Racing) reveals what Test Day has in store for his team: “The aim once again is to find a good compromise between peak speed and downforce in the turns, and see how we stand compared with the competition. We need to find settings that will help preserve the tyres. Test Day is also an opportunity for drivers to be comfortable with the car and get our bearings. For the technical staff, it’s a chance to settle in and practice refuelling operations.”
PHOTO: Porsche LMP Team and Toyota Gazoo Racing will use Test Day to put their highly sophisticated hybrid prototypes through their paces.
