24h Le Mans
Every year, a highlight for fans at Le Mans is the driver autograph session, which took place at 17h00 today. Racing enthusiasts gather outside the gates and a cheer goes through the crowd when they are finally allowed to rush onto pit lane.
It is a welcomed site for the drivers who can escape their data briefings, sponsor engagements and media appointments to interact with the passionate fans.
“It’s a pleasure to have so many people around us,” Porsche driver and Frenchman Patrick Pilet said. “When you’re French, you’ll see a lot of people you know if you’ve been racing for many years. There are different types of supporters; there are some coming for parties and some coming for the race, but mainly it’s always nice to meet them. We feel a bit like rock stars!”
The autograph session is also a way for the teams to thank the fans for their support.
“Le Mans is really special for the drivers and for the teams,” Olivier Beretta, driver of the No. 71 AF Corse Ferrari said. “It’s the big event of the year. It’s always nice to have so many fans. Without spectators, there are no races. Now we can relax before the event. The sun is out and everything is perfect.”
The next chance the fans will have to get this close to their favorite racers is at the Drivers’ Parade on Friday at 17h30.
Erin Cechal / ACO
PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), PLACE DE LA REPUBLIQUE, 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, TUESDAY 9 JUNE 2015, AUTOGRAPH SESSION.
