Pierre Fillon, how many applications did you receive for the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year?

« In all, we received 75 applications for 62 places, several of which are already allocated based on results here last year or in the ELMS, the Michelin Le Mans Cup, the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship or the Asian Le Mans Series. After due deliberation, the selection committee has drawn up a list of 62 plus 10 reserves. The number of applications shows that this race still has a magical draw. All four classes are equally popular and attract factory teams and privateers alike. 2020 will be the first 24 Hours of Le Mans for the Corvette C8-R and we will have several all-women driver crews. And we are delighted to welcome a Garage 56 entry, with an LMP2 prototype crewed by three disabled drivers entered by Frédéric Sausset. »

This is the second year that the grid has 62 slots. Is it the new rule?

« Given the number of applications, and our difficulty in choosing between them, we extended the pit lane to accommodate more cars. We added two fully-functioning garages in a record time. It was such a success that we will be repeating the same set-up this year. The work planned for the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans includes new improved facilities. »

This year being the last for the LMP1 Hybrid, it’s the end of a cycle. The introduction of hybrid power to endurance racing was a big step?

« I must admit I anticipate feeling a little pang of nostalgia when the race ends on Sunday 14 June. It will be the last time we’ll see LMP1 hybrids racing at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The efficiency of those outstanding machines contributed to the technique becoming widespread among production cars. In 2012, when they were introduced, many people hadn’t even heard of the technology. Their impressive speed became common knowledge, especially when the Toyota set a new lap record during qualifying in 2017. And with 40% less fuel consumption compared to their predecessors,they deserve their reputation for efficiency. The Audi, Porsche and Toyota hybrids made a crucial contribution to endurance racing. By combining the speed and excitement of racing with a commitment to the environment, these cars provided a major turning point in our discipline. »

How do you feel about this year’s race, the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans, to be run on 13–14 June?

« There are six cars in LMP1 for a start. So, Toyota will have its work cut out defending the title. In LMP2 there are several chassis: Oreca, Ligier, Dallara and Riley and a host of top-notch drivers. We’re delighted to welcome the new Corvette C8-R in LMGTE Pro, to rival Porsche, Ferrari and Aston Martin. »

Motorsport is under pressure to keep pace with changing attitudes and is looking to prove its contribution to the automotive industry as a whole. How is the ACO, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, addressing the issue?

« Our commitments are clear. I can sum them up in a few words: spectator enjoyment, safety, progress, sustainable development, reasonable budgets and internationalisation. That agenda is attractive to both factory and private racing teams. A glance at our entry list is proof of that. »

What about the circuit itself?

« We’re improving facilities for competitors and spectators. Alterations have been made at the north gate, the main entrance at the museum. A footbridge now runs alongside the track linking up to the Dunlop area and avoiding traffic. The bridge is named after Don Panoz, someone who was very special to the ACO and to endurance racing. Our ties with the USA have always been strong and are even more so now that we are working hand in hand with IMSA. »

2020 is a big year for anniversaries too.

« Yes. We’ll be celebrating the 50th anniversary of Porsche’s first Le Mans win and the 40th anniversary of the Rondeau victory – a driver and constructor based in Le Mans – and the 20th anniversary of the first Audi triumph. If you take just those three manufacturers, you have a sample of the diversity of Le Mans teams. This race is allencompassing. Toyota, the world’s number two car manufacturer will be seeking a third consecutive win, while Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and Corvette will be battling for the LMGTE crown. »

What will this year’s race be about?

« This will be the second time the 24 Hours of Le Mans is also the final round of the World Endurance Championship. This race will be outstanding, historic and full of surprises. Watch this space in the next few weeks! »

>> Find the entry list of the 88th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans <<