24h Le Mans
Last year, a record nine Hypercars finished in the same lap, after 24 hours of racing. In the course of a century, Le Mans has seen plenty of close-run races, but has never needed camera footage to determine which car crossed the line first at the chequered flag. But with such hotly contested races, the probability of a photo finish is increasing year by year.
Last year, a record nine Hypercars finished in the same lap, after 24 hours of racing. In the course of a century, Le Mans has seen plenty of close-run races, but has never needed camera footage to determine which car crossed the line first at the chequered flag. But with such hotly contested races, the probability of a photo finish is increasing year by year.
Today’s timekeepers employ cutting-edge technology. Three different systems keep track of the race, throughout the whole 24 hours, not just at the finish. Lluís Porqueras, head timekeeper of this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans tells us how it all works.
Ordinarily, the circuit timing system is sufficient. “We have what what we call a timing loop, located under the finish line. It is similar to those placed the rest of the circuit, every 30 metres.. These are sensors that respond to the signal from the two transponders installed on the cars. Every time a driver passes in front, it's indicated to us here in the timing room.” Top speeds are calculated thanks to this system.
If a transbonder fails, another car’s photoelectric cell can take over and detect when it passes over a timing loop. “Placed at line level, it is capable, if necessary, of sending us an alert each time a car crosses it.” says Porqueras.
Then there’s the system that comes into its own when two (or more) cars cross the line at the same time. “Two 60 images per second cameras monitor the line. Equipped with a motion detector, they take eight photos the instant a car passes over the line. The computer centre compiles the information from the three systems. The position of the transponders can vary slightly from one car to another, which is why, in the event of an apparent tie, the images are used. The winner is the first to touch the finish line with any part of the car,” he adds. It’s simply impossible to be mistaken.
Experts are used to these fairly common situations and nothing escapes them: “In the event of a tight finish, we inform race direction and say that we are reviewing and analysing the pictures.” That’s what will happen if the Hypercar battle continues right to the last minute of the 24-hour marathon. The system in place is sufficient for the context. Motorsport doesn’t require the same level of precision as in cycling or athletics, were distances are shorter and photo finishes commonplace.
Today’s timing apparatus measures to a thousandth of a second. But, in the extremely unlikely event of a dead heat, what would happen?
Contrary to popular belief ( Le Mans 1966), starting position is not a factor. A car that started in fifteenth place and ties for first place with a car that started further up the grid is not considered the winner because it covered more ground.
The regulations do not provide for that scenario and two opponents that tie for first place may share the top step of the podium. Given the outline of the circuit, it is practically impossible for a dead heat to occur. The two chicanes just 170 metres before the finish line make overtaking difficult coming out of the last corner.
24 Hours of Le Mans spectators have been treated to several close finishes in 92 races. The first was in 1933, when the Alfa Romeo 8C official Tazio Nuvolari and Raymond Sommer won with ten seconds to spare. Aside from 1966, when the two Ford GT40 Mk.II purposely finished side by side, the closest finish was in 1969. There was a mere 120 metres between Jacky Ickx’s Ford GT40 and Hans Herrmann’s Porsche 908 LH just behind.
More recently, in 2011, Audi pipped Peugeot at the post with a 14-second gap. Since the beginning of the Hypercar era in 2021, tight finishes have become more common, as there is so little to choose between competitors! The winning #51 Ferrari 499P put the #8 Toyota GR010 Hybrid just 1:21.793 behind in 2023 and last year the #50 Ferrari 499P had a mere 14.221 lead over the #7 Toyota.
The other classes are just as hotly contested. In 2021, the LMP2 confrontation was won by seven-tenths of a second.
With 21 Hypercars entered by eight makes, plus 17 LMP2s and 24 LMGT3s this year’s race promises to be a skirmish from beginning to end. At 16:00 on Sunday, we shall know who comes away smiling!
