24h Le Mans
Here we are, at the start of the big 24 Hours of Le Mans Race Week, which kicks off with the traditional Scrutineering sessions in Le Mans city centre (Sunday 10 June from 14:30 to 19:00 and Monday 11 June, from 10:00 to 18:00)! There is also a great atmosphere for fans over these two days as the drivers and cars line up for the mandatory technical and administrative checks.
What is Scrutineering all about?
The 60 cars and 180 drivers competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans are required to undergo a series of technical and administrative checks, which are known as Scrutineering and traditionally held on Place de la République in the centre of Le Mans. Fans of the world’s greatest endurance race can come along to see and photograph the cars and get an autograph or selfie with their favourite drivers.
During these sessions, the drivers’ licences are checked along with their gear, such as their helmets, firesuits and other clothing. They are also weighed. The cars go on to a lift and are probed using special lasers, then they are measured and weighed. Next, ACO and FIA officials inspect the safety equipment, fuel tank and other items.
Drivers’ impressions...
Nicolas Lapierre, #36 Alpine A470-Gibson, Signatech Alpine Matmut (LMP2): Scrutineering kicks off a fantastic week. The whole team is there and we also get to see the other competitors as they undergo the checks before and after us. And it’s really great to meet the crowd.
Paul-Loup Chatin, #48 Oreca 07-Gibson, IDEC Sport (LMP2): Things are pretty relaxed as it’s the first day we arrive in Le Mans. It’s a really happy occasion and, with Test Day out off the way, it kicks off the 24 Hours Race Week. This is where Le Mans really starts. ‘This is it,’ we say. It’s our first time out before the fans too.
Harry Tincknell, #67 Ford Gt, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK (LMGTE Pro): I really look forward to scrutineering as it’s the first date in our Le Mans diary. You get such a great welcome from the crowd. That’s when you realise that this is not just any race, it’s unlike any other event on the calendar. It’s also the first time the whole team comes together. I get a real sense of pride. Being given a drive in a car like this is a real vote of confidence from the team. I also like having the group photo taken with the cars, the other drivers and the rest of the team. Like I said, it makes me feel really proud.
Olivier Beretta, #70 Ferrari 488 GTE for MR Racing (LMGTE Am): It's a really enjoyable moment as it embodies the spirit of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In some other disciplines, everything takes the place behind the scenes, with the fans kept at a distance. I find that ridiculous because without them, there wouldn’t be a race! Here, the fans get to meet the drivers, chat with them and take photos, and they can get close-up to the cars too. It’s well-organised, it all goes off really well and there’s a relaxed atmosphere - and when the sun comes out, it’s even better!
