24h Le Mans
Scrutineering concluded with a succession of Hypercars present at Place de la République in Le Mans city centre for the technical and administrative checks. Following on from Vanwall and Peugeot yesterday, the Porsche, Cadillac, Toyota, Glickenhaus and Ferrari entries were the focus of race official’s beady eyes today, and of many more admiring gazes besides. Like at a fashion show, front row seats were highly prized!
Porsche was the first Hypercar to undergo checks at Place de la République earlier today. The German make that holds the record for the most wins at Le Mans (19) is back at the highest level of endurance, fielding three 963s in this centenary year. We have increased our chances of winning. We can test a lot more things and go into the race with as much data as possible, says Frédéric Makowiecki, driver of the #5 alongside Dane Cameron and Michael Christensen.
Porsche Penske Motorsport lies third in the Hypercar Manufacturers FIA World Endurance Championship behind Toyota and Ferrari (139). “To be honest, at the beginning of the season we weren’t as good as we wanted to be”, admits the Frenchman. “But we’ve made progress. Our performance has improved in the last few races. It’ has to be said that we are inconsistent. However, Le Mans stands apart anyway. The last private tests we did helped us understand the car and now it’s up to us to get our act together."
Local fans cheered Sébastien Bourdais, driver of the Cadillac Racing Cadillac V-Series.R #3 de, a serious candidate for the trophy. Everyone remembers Bourdais’ 2016 LMGTE Pro triumph with Ford and many are hoping to see a local man first to be shown the chequered flag. It has to be said that with its style and the distinctive sound of its V8 engine, the American Hypercar isn’t here as a supporting act. “We’ve spent a lot of time on the track and in the simulator. Tomorrow, we’ll be testing three different approaches, one on each car, and then we’ll analyse the data. That way, we’ll start practice on Wednesday with a base to perfect. Going back to the beginning of the season, we had a difficult time because we had a combination of mechanical issues and bad luck. That put us in trouble in terms of spare parts. I hope we left our bad luck back in California [laughing]. In any case, team morale is good which is what we need.”
Next up, the two Toyota GR010 Hybrids #7 and #8, which arrived covered in flowers in true Japanese tradition. The cherry blossom suits them just as well as the “favourite” label they have been given. “It’s no good shrugging it off. We may as well accept it. It won’t make the race any easier, because we know anything can happen, says Pascal Vasselon, technical director of Toyota Gazoo Racing.”
The second day of scrutineering revealed that Glickenhaus Racing has quite a following here at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Former film producer Jim Glickenhaus’ pursuit of a dream, playing with the big boys, touches hearts. “There’s a long tradition at Le Mans of small private teams – Pescarolo etc. – so we’re carrying on that tradition. It’s much harder than it ever was. We’re standing up against giants and we’re just a very small team. We will do the best we can and what happens, happens. But what happens doesn’t matter. Enjoying the journey of coming to Le Mans and racing a car that we designed, built, engineered ourselves, is all that matters to me and I’m very proud of that. We always make changes to the car based on what we learn, so yes, the car is different this year." Last year, the #709 was third behind the two Toyota GR010 Hybrids. A reiteration of that performance would be a superb result in this centenary year.
The session ended with the AF Corse Ferrari 499P – eagerly awaited for several reasons. First, because the Italian make has won Le Mans ten times, but is fielding an entry in the top class –and therefore capable of winning overall – for the first time in 50 years. Second, because the 499P has made a promising start to the WEC season. “This race is one of a kind, but we have a very competitive team, as we proved in the first three races. Toyota Gazoo Racing is the benchmark in this race. They are stronger here. But we’ll fight to stay close to them and give them a hard time. First of all, we need to finish the race, and if we do, I think it will be in a good position”, said Miguel Molina, who shares the #50 with Antonio Fuocco and Nicklas Nielsen.
Once the Scrutineering procedures were over, spectators lined the streets between Avenue Général de Gaulle and the river bank beyond the cathedral, the route for the eight-car parade that ensued. Four-time winner Yannick Dalmas, led the way at the wheel of the 1923 Chenard & Walcker Sport. A couple of passers-by who happened to be in town were surprised – and happy – to be in the right place at the right time. The accelerations of the #77 Dempsey-Proton Racing Porsche 911 RSR-19 and the #33 Corvette Racing Chevrolet Corvette C8.R delighted the crowd. The Hendrick Motorsports #24 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1 was also applauded with glee. One spectator said she would like to see a similar parade every year, but with more cars. Remark gratefully received!
All 62 cars entered for the 24 Hours of Le Mans have now been inspected by the race scrutineers. Tomorrow, they take to the track for a six-hour test. The first session is scheduled from 10:00 to 13:00 and the second from 15:30 to 18:30. For the first time at Le Mans, a round of the Ligier European Series will also take place, with the Ligier JSP4s and JS2 Rs on track between 14:00 and 15:00.
While you await the track action, feast your eyes on the gallery below.
