24h Le Mans
Thirty-nine of the 62 cars entered in the 24 Hours Centenary submitted to inspection today by the technical marshals in the Le Mans city centre. Scrutineering is the perfect opportunity for fans to get up close and personal with their favourite cars and drivers.
The first Hypercar to undergo inspection at the place de la République was Floyd Vanwall Racing Team's #4 Vanwall Vandervell 680. Tom Dillmann (three participations) explained the Austrian team's goals: "We are happy to be racing in the head class with plenty of competitors. It's a new golden age for endurance racing. Typically, the first season for a new car is challenging. The longest race we've done so far was the 1000 Miles of Sebring. Our number one goal is to finish the race. But, we aren't here to do anything other than try and give our competitors a run for their money. We're making progress with each race. We've gained performance level and can't wait to see how it goes at the 24 Hours circuit."
Another highly anticipated Hypercar was Peugeot TotalEnergies' Peugeot 9X8, and spectators in the city centre were able to get a close look at the special livery designed by Spanish artish J. Demsky. The gathering of fans around this Hypercar was astonishing as it arrived at the place de la République. Stellantis Motorsport Director Jean-Marc Finot: "We are thrilled to be here. It's the 30th anniversary of the 905's win. That's why we chose this specific livery. We intend on making our mark with this paint scheme and hope to do so in competition as well. We understood during previous races that we weren't doing our best in slow turns, and there are less at Le Mans. On Sunday's Test Day, we were able to get a sense of where we stand in the classification. We'll have to give our all during the race."
Scrutineering offered an opportunity to get an update on Alpine's Hypercar project. The French marque recently released a sneak peek of the car it will enter in the head class in the FIA WEC and 24 Hours of Le Mans next season, and the car is scheduled to be officially presented this coming Friday. Alpine development driver Nicolas Lapierre: "I will most likely be taking the first stint. It's a beautiful achievement and a beautiful project that are coming to fruition. The Alpine teams have worked tirelessly to provide a great car. I think people will be pleasantly surprised with its lines and overall look. It's a wonderful project." Alpine Elf Team Manager Philippe Sinault: "It's a gorgeous thing."
The Porsche 963 of private outfit Hertz Team JOTA is a contender for victory against official teams in a true David and Goliath moment in keeping with the spirit of the 24 Hours. JOTA won the LMP2 class last year and finished 6th at the TotalEnergies 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps. Will Stevens: "We are more ready than we were at Spa. To figure among the Hypercars is a huge honour for our team. We have high hopes for this race. It's a massive challenge, but an experience of a lifetime."
Five women will take the start in the 24 Hours Centenary. Doriane Pin (age 19) is a favourite in the LMP2 class and has been highly sought after by fans and media alike. She will share Prema Racing's #63 ORECA 07-Gibson with former Formula 1 driver Daniil Kvyat and Mirko Bortolotti. Doriane Pin (rookie and winner of the Trofeo Pirelli Europe Ferrari Challenge last season): "There are already so many people here. I feel so much support and it's wonderful. Daniil, Mirko and I make a great crew. We fight for victory at every race, so we can expect a good result."
Another contender for an LMP2 win is Alpine Elf Team. The French marque is back in the class with two cars. Sinault: "It's a brave return for us, because, in all honesty, we had the choice of watching the race on T.V. and planning our participation in Hypercar for 2024. But, we didn't give that option a second thought. We couldn't pass up the Centenary. Plus, the best way to prepare for future challenges is to get in the fight, especially given the high level of this class." Though the beginning of the season for the #35 and #36 could have gone better, Alpine hopes for a return to the head of the pack. Sinault: "We knew how to build fast crews. We are very familiar with the playing field, so we're going after the best result possible, in other words: the win."
Another fan favourite is Hendrick Motorsports' Chevrolet Camaro in Garage 56 for innovative cars. Though broadly similar to the one competing in the NASCAR Cup Series, it has certainly inspired curiosity among spectators. The car will be shared by Mike Rockenfeller (2010 24 Hours winner), Jenson Button (2009 F1 world champion) and Jimmie Johnson (seven-time NASCAR champion). Mike Rockenfeller: "The car was made for the fans. It is fabulous and I can't wait to drive it on the circuit at Le Mans." Jenson Button: "It is fantastic. Heavier than average, and while driving you really have to work hard. It takes more effort. It's also very powerful, so I think our times are on point." Jimmie Johnson: "My dad showed me photos of this race when I was a kid. I immediately wanted to do it. Now I'm here and want to take full advantage of it."
Check out the first day of Scrutineering in the photo gallery below.
Scrutineering will resume tomorrow at 09:30 local time with Porsche Penske Motorsport, Cadillac Racing, TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, Glickenhaus Racing and Ferrari AF Corse. Follow the action live once again on the 24 Hours YouTube channel.
