24h Le Mans
As there's no action on the track today, the public will have a final chance to walk down the pit lane and admire up-close the 60 cars of this 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans. There are also plenty of exciting events and festivities to enjoy in the villages of Saint-Saturnin and Mulsanne, and in the centre of Le Mans!
The day before the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the village just north of Le Mans will host nearly 1,000 vintage and modern-day classics. This year, Saint-Saturnin Classic British Welcome will pay tribute to Marcos. The British marque, created in 1959, last appeared in the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1997 before its demise ten years later. The event will be held in and around the Val-de-Vray cultural centre in Saint-Saturnin between 10:00 and 17:00.
The day before the race gets underway, the cars hold court in their garages. It's the perfect opportunity for spectators to invade the pit lane, open to the public from 10:00 to 20:00. All General Enclosure ticket-holders can (almost) touch the 60 cars, rub elbows with the drivers and even take souvenir selfies! It's a must for every fan!
Everyone loves the thrills of a traditional fun fair and 24 Hours of Le Mans fans are no different. The huge Ferris wheel towers over a range of quintessential fairground attractions including rip-roaring rides, air-rifle shooting, games of skill, bumper cars and more. Enjoy the inimitable atmosphere of a fun fair without having to leave the circuit!
With an exhibition of prestigious cars, autograph sessions, cavalcade, open-air concert, and lots more, the Virage de Mulsanne association has once again put together a stunning programme. This legendary spot at the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit will be abuzz today from 10:00 to 17:00 with Jaguar as guest of honour. Eighty Jaguars will be on display at the Mulsanne Corner for a magnificent exhibition. Among the models on display, you will find Jaguar E-Type Coupes, D-Types, XK 120s, XK 140s, XK 150 Coupes and Cabriolets, XJ12s, XJS Coupes, XK8 Coupes, XK8 Cabriolets and Type Ss. As if that wasn't enough, there will be another 400 other models for collection car enthusiasts to admire, parked from the Mulsanne Corner to the Arnage Corner.
The French Air Force will welcome spectators at two special areas: the Air Force Pavilion in the Fan Zone, and a stall in the Village. From 15:00 to 24:00 at the Air Force Pavilion, visitors will have a unique opportunity to pilot a flight simulator and to take a seat in a real fighter jet!
The Women’s Pavilion is now a regular feature in the 24 Hours of Le Mans race village. With its garden and covered terrace, the Pavilion offers the growing number of female visitors to the 24 Hours of Le Mans somewhere to unwind in glamorous, modern yet refined surroundings with a chance to meet personalities from the world of motorsport, and plenty more besides. New this year: the Oyster & Champagne Bar event organised by La Mer à Boire, and refreshing Tamarindo smoothies to enjoy while relaxing in this lovely, peaceful atmosphere, reserved for women only.
General Enclosure ticket-holders will be able to visit the Museum free of charge during the entire week leading up to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In addition to the 120 cars already housed at the museum, a new exhibition is dedicated to the only French Grand Prix held at the Bugatti circuit, in 1967. It's the perfect occasion to check out the Brabham Repco BT24 that won the race.
Created in 1957 by the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, the Critérium du Jeune Conducteur is a fun learning tool designed to stimulate interest in driving among children from the age of seven. This year, the ACO is putting the scheme back into the spotlight by adding five electric cars to the pool of vehicles and extend the time that tomorrow’s road users can join in this free event in the Race Village. Some lucky youngsters will also have the chance to drive on the famous 24 Hours of Le Mans race track! Open in the pit lane for 7 to 12-year-olds. From 18:00, the Critérium du Jeune Conducteur will take part in the Drivers’ Parade with the new electric cars.
The Drivers’ Parade in Le Mans city centre is a great chance for fans to see the drivers the day before the start of the race. This year sees it celebrate its 22nd anniversary. Late afternoon, all the drivers entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans will ride aboard vintage vehicles along a specially designated route. The organizer Classic Automotive, in partnership with the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, guarantees a carnival atmosphere for the thousands of fans lining the streets.
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SCHEDULE
09:00–17:00: Saint-Saturnin Classic British Welcome at the Val-de-Vray centre in Saint-Saturnin. Free admission. Refreshments available.
10:00–20:00: Pitwalk
10:00–24:00: Fun fair open
10:00–17:00: Virage de Mulsanne association at the Mulsanne Corner. Free admission. Refreshments available.
10:00–20:00: Air Force Pavilion open
10:00–19:00: Women's Pavilion open
10:00–22:00: 24 Hours Museum open
10:00–19:00: Criterium du Jeune Conducteur in the Pit Lane
17:30–19:00: Drivers' Parade in the centre of Le Mans, starts at the Place des Jacobins
PHOTO: There’s always a carnival atmosphere at the traditional Drivers’ Parade which is celebrating its 22nd anniversary this year.
