Of course, the legendary 24 hours of Le Mans draws an audience from around the globe, but perhaps the most loyal of fans of the greatest race in the world have been the British. What is the special blend of ingredients that attracts so many to come year after year? Who better to ask than Andrew Melley, the managing director of Travel Destinations, one of the official ticket agents of the ACO, who have been helping thousands of British fans to attend the 24 hours for decades.

What is it that draws so many British race fans to Le Mans each June?

Andrew Melley Managing Director of Travel Destinations: "The Le Mans 24 hours is a unique event. It has become an annual pilgrimage for thousands of British race fans. No other event can quite match the combination of history, atmosphere and great endurance racing like Le Mans. Of course British teams have had great success at Le Mans over the years and the British race fans come to Le Mans each year hoping for more."

How do most Brits travel to the circuit?

"For the British fans the circuit is an easy drive from the UK so the majority will put their stuff in the boot and head for the channel ports. There is no right or wrong way of course. Many race fans choose to travel across the short sea route, from Dover (by ferry) or Folkestone (Eurotunnel) to Calais. From Calais it is about 4½ hours drive to Le Mans and some of the convoys can be really impressive. The alternative is to travel from Portsmouth to either Caen, Le Havre, Cherbourg or St. Malo. This route is a longer and more expensive ferry crossing, but leaves a shorter (about 2½ hours) drive south to the circuit. Travel Destinations look after the arrangements of more than 4,000 race fans each year and it is roughly a 50/50 split between short sea crossings and the longer western channel."

Is the social 'party' atmosphere just as important as the racing?

"For some it is, yes. For many a week away at Le Mans is an opportunity to relax and really enjoy themselves. The ACO understand this as well and provide music entertainment most evenings. There are some people (usually part of groups) who don’t actually see a race car, although I think they will be in the minority. Many British race fans have made friends with other race fans over the years, but only see them at Le Mans. Each year they return and meet up for a drink and the traditional Le Mans barbecue. A real camaraderie has developed over the years. A lot of our customers return year after year wanting to camp together."

How have the circuit facilities changed/improved over the last two decades since the new pits complex was constructed?

"From a spectators view, the facilities at the circuit change every year. The campsite facilities have always been best described as “basic”, but if you look back over a period of time it is possible to see improvements being made and infrastructure being changed each year. A lot of the changes aren’t necessarily seen by the spectators, such as new drainage etc. But some real improvements have been more obvious such as the viewing bank area inside the Tertre Rouge corner, the new look village and of course the tram in to Le Mans town. I am sure that there will be new things this year that people will notice and I know that there are more plans for developments in the coming years. It is a never ending job for the ACO."

Any special comments or observations regarding Le Mans 2011?

"From a race perspective it will be interesting to see how the battle of the diesels develops, although from a British perspective it would be good to see if at least one of the Aston Martin cars can still be running at the end. The British have always loved an underdog. I think there is more chance of a British winner in the LMP2 class with RML, Greaves Motorsport and Strakka Racing all with great Le Mans experience. JMW Motorsport have a great chance in the GTE Pro category alongside the Jota sport team, and CRS racing are flying the flag for Britain in the GTE Am class. This year we have been following closely a couple of drivers who are friends of Travel Destinations. Both drivers are making their Le Mans debuts this year. Sean Paul Breslin will be featuring in the #61 AF Corse Ferrari and Martin Rich will be driving Lotus Jet Alliance team. We wish them both the best of luck!"