Safety car periods are necessary when technical staff are working on the track, often following an accident. While the track is being cleared or cleaned, drivers must keep to a certain speed for the whole length of the circuit.

Recently, slow zones have been introduced to ensure safety while allowing the race to continue. The 24 Hours circuit has been divided into 35 zones, each 300 to 500 metres long. Two lights are placed at the beginning and the end of the zone, one on the inside, one on the outside. When a slow zone is set up, the lights are switched on and a marshal waves a yellow flag. In the previous zone, drivers are warned so that they can slow down and enter the zone at the correct speed, 80 kph maximum. Speeds are checked via a satellite system. Outside of the zone, the race can be run as normal. However, safety cars have not disappeared altogether. The race can still be entirely under yellow flag and in that case safety cars are brought out to keep speeds down around the whole circuit.

The Marshalling System

This system is in place for the second year running at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Each car is fitted with the onboard device. It works via WiFi and relays the same information as that available from the trackside. The information is updated at the entrance to each sector and the device receives the information to be given to drivers, i.e. slow zone approaching, slow zone, green flag, red flag etc.
Both systems improve racing conditions and ensure the safety of all involved in the race.

Karine Avon/ACO - Translated from French by Emma Paulay

Photo: LE MANS 24 HOURS, 10 JUNE 2015. The marshal’s post at the entrance to sector 29.