This partnership is the result of the Le Mans Passion Share operation in February when the drivers in the Le Mans 24 Hours and the fighter pilots from the Air force met up. 

The first initiative from this partnership will give spectators the opportunity to discover the fascinating world of aviators at the coming Le Mans 24 Hours.

The Air force will be present on a 150m² stand in the heart of the village where it will be possible to access cutting-edge mechanical equipment like the reactor and the canon of a combat plane, and to put oneself in the place of a fighter pilot. A dozen Alphajet simulators, installed with the backing of Smef Azur, will allow people to experience what it feels like to fly, and also discover the responsibilities of pilots at the controls of airliners.

The Air force pavilion will be a place to experience sensations and to meet and share. Visitors will be able to talk to the pilots who took part in the Le Mans Passion Share operation, and to aviators from cutting-edge specialities like the airplane mechanics specially sent from the 705 Tours air base. And infrared combat goggles will be made available to the spectators to see the race at nighttime.

This maiden participation by the Air force will give people a glimpse into the universe of the excellence of its airborne skills and the missions it carries out to protect citizens.

Another emotional moment linked to aviation is the French Patrol’s flypast just before the start of the 84th running of the mythical race, which will be given almost immediately by Brad Pitt: a star starter and an exceptional guest at the 2016 Le Mans 24 Hours that also marks the 110th anniversary of the ACO.

At the Le Mans 24 Hours, it’s not only the race that is the stuff of dreams. The ACO remains faithful to its DNA and makes it a point of honour to bring to light different worlds supporting its values permitting young and old alike to share emotions and enjoy unique experiences!