If you are not a specialist in endurance racing, Le Mans can be a special challenge. Imagine for example a driver at the wheel of a GT on such an unusually long circuit (thirteen kilometres) where he will also race at night ... Romain Grosjean, Bruno Senna, Tom Kristensen, Mario Andretti and Nicolas Prost share their reflections on open or closed cockpit.

Romain Grosjean - Lotus Formula 1 driver, he raced in the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2010 driving a Ford GT: "In the beginning, it is quite confusing. It's hot, and you have the sides of the windscreen narrowing your field of vision, can't see the front wheels ... If my schedule allows me, I really want to get back behind the wheel of a prototype. Open or closed, it does not matter as long as it goes fast! “

Bruno Senna – A veteran of 46 Grand Prix in Formula 1, after competing in the 24 Hours in 2009 in an Oreca prototype, he will be in La Sarthe again in 2013 as a factory driver for Aston Martin in LM GTE Pro: "Driving an open proto seems easier in principle, you might say, even if the philosophy of the competition between the single seater and the prototype is of course very different. But for me, a driver must be able to drive any type of car, even if you specialize now and then.“

Tom Kristensen – Record holder for victories at Le Mans with eight wins, including seven acquired driving an open prototype: "In a closed car, the interior temperature is higher, you must be more careful in some corners and anticipate a little more. But on the other hand, your head is much more stable. That said, with Audi, we found that we can still win at Le Mans with an open prototype!”

Mario Andretti - F1 World Champion in 1978, winner of the Daytona 500 in 1967 and Indianapolis in 1969, nine appearances at Le Mans, spread from 1966 to 2000. He won his two best results Sarthe driving an open prototype (2nd in 1995 in a Courage) and closed (3rd in 1983 in a Porsche 956): "The Porsche 956 and 962 also are the best cars I've ever driven at Le Mans. I also enjoyed the Courage in 1995, a car that was really well balanced and very fun to drive. Generally, I prefer open prototypes, because they have better visibility, even when it rains. But I have no particular problem with prototypes ... ultimately, open or closed, it does not matter, the point is leading the race!”

Nicolas Prost – Driver with Rebellion Racing, but he has raced closed cars at Le Mans: Saleen S7-R GT and Lola coupe prototype: "I don't ask this kind of question. It is above all for the car to more efficient. It may be easier to drive an open prototype because we have better visibility, but if the closed proto is faster, it is better to be at the wheel!”

The 90th anniversary 24 Hours of Le Mans is on the 22nd and 23rd June.

Jean-Philippe Doret – ACO

Photo : CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES (LE MANS, SARTHE), 24 HEURES DU MANS, 14th & 15th JUIN 2003. For Tom Kristensen, the Bentley EXP Speed 8 of his fifth victory at Le Mans is an exception to the rule, it is the only closed prototype in which is has won; which he did with  Dindo Capello and Guy Smith.