24h Le Mans
Today, the public will rub elbows with the drivers on pit lane starting at 5:00 p.m. before heading to the town of Ruaudin for the third edition of the R'Hunaudières or to Neuville-sur-Sarthe for its fun and festive activities.
Now that Scrutineering in downtown Le Mans is in the bag, the 60 competitors of the 85th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans have returned to their garages at the circuit to fine-tune any necessary details before the first official free practice session kicking off tomorrow at 4:00 p.m.
Checks specific to cars in the LMP1 class take place to close out those conducted on Sunday and Monday at the Place de la République in downtown Le Mans. Porsche LMP Team's two Porsche 919 Hybrids and Toyota Gazoo Racing's three Toyota TS050 Hybrids are expected.
After the official briefing provided by event director Eduardo Freitas and race director Patrick Morisseau, the 180 drivers entered in this 85th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will gather on the grandstands straight at 10:30 a.m. to take part in the traditional drivers official group photo.
Today the drivers will have the opportunity for one last reconnaissance mission of the 13.629 km circuit, on foot or bicycle per their preference, from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. before willingly lending themselves to a fan favorite, the autograph session.
From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., pit lane will be open to the public. With a General Admission ticket, fans can watch all the goings-on in the garages of their favorite team(s) and driver(s). Posters, hats, t-shirts...anything imaginable works for an autograph, and drivers will also gladly take a selfie with you! It's all about having fun!
The writers and colorists of the latest Michel Vaillant release entitled "Rebellion" will autograph the comic book at the Rebellion Vaillante pit in the paddock from 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.
The third year of the R'Hunaudières will be held at the place de l'hôtel de ville (town hall square) of Ruaudin. The 2017 edition will be hosted by Marcel Mignot, a local driver who has participated in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 10 times. Another notable guest expected is Yannick Dalmas, the only driver to have won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times with four different manufacturers. Driver Julien Canal, a Le Mans native entered in the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) with the Vaillante Rebellion, will be on-site to meet the public. To celebrate Ferrari's 70th anniversary, an exhibition dedicated to the Italian marque will be set up with at least 20 models on display.
The town of Neuville-sur-Sarthe invites its inhabitants and fans of the 24 Hours of Le Mans to relive the preceding edition - during an exceptional evening with a special guest - by watching the official film of the race released by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. The movie will be projected onto a giant screen at the plage du Vieux Moulin of Neuville-sur-Sarthe. As a curtain-raiser, an exhibition of unique vehicles will take place with the Porsche Clubs and Auto Passion 72.
SCHEDULE
10:30 a.m.: Drivers official group photo
3:00 p.m. – 11:00 p.m.: The R'Hunaudières, at the place de l'hôtel de ville (town hall square) of Ruaudin. Free admission, food and drink vendors on-site.
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Driver autograph session
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.: Michel Vaillant "Rebellion" book signing
7:00 p.m.: Neuville-sur-Sarthe in the race, plage du Vieux Moulin. Free admission, food and drink vendors on-site.
Photo: From 5:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., pit lane will be open to the public. With a General Admission ticket, fans will have the chance to chase down coveted autographs and selfies.
