Mulsanne straight soon to be resurfaced.

Photo : Philippe CHEMIN - ACO/NIKON

Each year, the 24 Hours of Le Mans provides it's share of new stuff around the track. In 2009, a new public space was opened at the entrance of the Porsche Curves. Last June, the drivers discovered brand new asphalt in the last part of the circuit. So what will be new in 2011?

Vincent Beaumesnil is well placed to answer this question. The function of "Sports Director" includes track developments by the ACO.

Vincent Beaumesnil: "The Mulsanne Straight will be fully resurfaced, including the chicanes. The work will occur during the summer of 2011, after the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The chicanes are 20 years old and the coating does not age at the same speed as the straight. It makes sense that, the latter is a national road borrowed throughout the year by trucks, while the chicanes are used only five days a year for racing. Over time, the difference of adhesion between the asphalt increases, and we need to correct that. "

Julien Hergault - Translated by Dave Davies