So what about the start?

The 24 Hours of Le Mans always takes place in June, although there have been four exceptions: 1923 (the inaugural race), 1956 (works still in progress), 1968 (race postponed due to political and social unrest in May) and 1986 (crowded sporting calendar). It may be simply a coincidence, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans is run in the 24th week of the year!

Since 1971, a so-called rolling start has been used. The competitors complete a formation lap behind the leading car (a safety car) and are then “unleashed” in the Pit Straight. In 2007, the start was brought forward to 15:00 from the traditional 16:00 slot that had been adopted since 1923.

Past famous starters include French presidents Vincent Auriol in 1949 and Georges Pompidou in 1972, Henri Ford II, Dr Ferry Porsche, Alain Delon, Fédération Internationale Automobile (FIA) president Jean Todt, and Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt in 2016. This year, Spanish tennis ace Rafael Nadal, fresh from winning his 17th Grand Slam title at the French Open last weekend, will do the honours.

There will be a difference to the start for this 86th 24 Hours of Le Mans. The French flag will be lowered 145 metres further up the Pit Straight, in the direction of the Dunlop Bridge. The spectators in the grandstands will thus enjoy a better view of the starting grid.

Driver’s impressions…

Paul-Loup Chatin, #48 Oreca 07-Gibson, IDEC Sport (LMP2): This is a magical moment and one of the milestones in a career. It starts with the formation lap. You look around and that’s when you realise just how impressive, how spellbinding it all is. There’s also a certain amount of apprehension, which is understandable, but as soon as the light turns green, we’re off!

Nicolas Lapierre, #36 Alpine A470, Signatech Alpine Matmut (LMP2): It’s quite a stressful time as the start procedure is very, very long. All the team members are there. They’ve done a massive job and are now waiting. It’s THE race of the year. At the start, we know there’s always a risk of a collision and mistakes. You have to watch out...

Harry Tincknell, #67 Ford GT, Ford Chip Ganassi Team UK (LMGTE Pro): We’re a bit tense, I have to admit. But there is so much happening on the track before the start – it’s a real show. For me, there’s no reason to be nervous as we train all year for this and to be on the top of our game for this race. You just have to do your job but, as I said, there’s just a bit of tension before you start. There are thousands of people watching you. When you’re in the car, you’re concentrating on what you have to do, but you don’t want to make any mistakes on the first turn. Then the formation lap begins and we’re off!

Olivier Beretta, #70 Ferrari 488 GTE, MR Racing (LMGTE Am): There’s a huge crowd as it’s a great race – the highlight of the year. But strangely, when you’ve got your helmet on and you’re sat in the car, you shut it all out. I’d say it’s even more impressive when you’re not starting than when you are! When you’re outside the car, you feel the hush just before. Everyone waits in silence, watching, and there’s just a little music. And then the cars arrive, and you really feel the crowd buzzing with emotion and there’s this sudden noise.

PHOTO: LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES DU MANS, START. Start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2013, 2014, 2015 (thumbnails) and 2017 (main photo).