24h Le Mans
During the technical checks ahead of the 24 Hours of Le Mans – better known as Scrutineering – the whole paddock is transferred to the city centre. The gathering is a huge favourite with competitors and fans alike. Here’s everything you need to know about this event, the first milestone on the road to the Centenary race!
The 24 Hours of Le Mans has a language of its own, including the term “Scrutineering” used to refer to the mandatory technical and administrative checks. But did you know that in French, it’s known as “Pesage”, which literally means “weighing”? The cars are indeed weighed – a Hypercar must weigh at least 1,030 kg, an LMP2 car 930 kg, and an LMGTE Am car 1,245 kg. However, there are a number of other checks.
The inspection process lasts two days, during which the technical officials – or scrutineers – will do far more than simply weigh the 62 cars entered in this year’s Centenary. In fact, they have a long and painstaking task ahead of them, inspecting each car to ensure that it complies with the Supplementary Regulations for the 2023 24 Heures du Mans.
There are three phases to the technical checks. The first involves measuring the car (width, length, overhang, wheelbase, rear wing length, etc.). During this process, the car is mounted on a perfectly horizontal platform, which is also equipped with scales to weigh the car. Next, the underside of the car is checked (size of the front and rear diffusers, size and shape of the floorboard which ensures minimum ground clearance and improved aerodynamic safety). The bodywork is then partially dismantled to inspect the safety elements (extinguishers, harness, engine cut-off, headlights, etc.). Stickers must be correctly placed, the transponder in working order, and all lights as stipulated, including the diodes that signal whether the car is among the top 3 in its class. Finally, the car’s “black box” that collects data undergoes scrupulous tests.
The 186 drivers, dressed in their firesuits, undergo a series of administrative checks to verify their licence, helmet and all their equipment. Everything must comply with the various standards set by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The drivers are also weighed, so that their weight can be deducted from that of the car in the qualifying session checks
The drivers also line up for photo sessions, including individual and team pictures with the cars, and media interviews.
You don’t need a ticket to attend the Scrutineering: the event is free of charge and open to all. For fans, it’s a unique opportunity to get a close-up view of the cars and drivers, who are happy to sign autographs and pose for selfies.
This year, Scrutineering will close with a parade of eight race cars through Le Mans city centre. They will start from Avenue Charles de Gaulle and head to Quai Louis Blanc, via Avenue François Mitterrand, Place des Jacobins and the Wilbur Wright tunnel.
The eight cars are:
We highly recommend using the Le Mans Métropole public transport network to get to and from the city centre Scrutineering sessions. Tram line T1 Antarès-Stade Marie Marvingt - Université will drop you off at Place de la République. More information on the Setram website.
If you decide to brave the traffic, there are almost 3,700 parking spaces in the city’s underground car parks (République, Jacobins, Quinconces, Filles Dieu, Médiathèque, etc.). There are also a few free spaces on Quai Louis Blanc or by the Roman walls. See the Le Mans parking operator CenoviaPark website for more information.
