24h Le Mans
Every year ahead of Test day, ACO Sporting Director Vincent Beaumesnil and the Race Direction team set out on an inspection lap with drivers from the various classes to discuss new aspects of the circuit as well as future improvements.
One of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest's major priorities is safety at the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit. In constant evolution, every year the track undergoes modifications and improvements that must be assimilated by everyone involved. Since this track is only used for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, teams don't have the opportunity to practice and train on it throughout the year. On Friday ahead of Test Day, several officials took part in a sort of warm-up lap, including Vincent Beaumesnil, Le Mans race director Patrick Morisseau, FIA WEC race director Eduardo Freitas, four-time Le Mans winner and FIA WEC race advisor Yannick Dalmas and ACO president Pierre Fillon.
Various drivers joined them, such as two-time Le Mans winner and Toyota advisor Alexander Wurz (1996 and 2009), Nicolas Lapierre for Signatech Alpine Matmut in LMP2 and official Ford driver in LMGTE Pro Andy Priaulx. The veteran group served to represent the different classes in the race. "This is a very important moment," underscores Vincent Beaumesnil. "Decisions related to safety always take into account the opinions of those concerned. First and foremost, that means the drivers. Their thoughts are crucial."
During this joint inspection, several stops were made at key spots on the circuit.
The drivers were a strong voice, in lengthy discussions with officials regarding situations to improve in case of incidents on the track. They were able to consider trajectories, visibility of the turns and traffic management according to their individual classes. For Alexander Wurz, the 24 Hours of Le Mans circuit has to keep a proper balance: "The circuit has to evolve with the times and answer to new safety standards all while keeping its unique character."
The most recent improvements to the circuit, like the new clearance zone at the exit of the Porsche Curves, were also presented. These modifications were outlined and detailed to all the drivers at the briefing preceding Test Day.
PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, TEST DAY 2018. Drivers and ACO officials gather for inspection lap of the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans.
