The serious business began on Wednesday, June 11, on and off the track at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Three hours of free practice marked the start of the event…
The red and orange-colored team lined up its two LMP2 cars for the first free practice session with the “primary objective of continuing the work done during last Sunday’s pre-tests, then continuing to gain track time for our three rookies,” says Julien Briot, technical director.
Under the watchful eye of around fifty children who came to share these intense moments with the team
“Every year, as spoiled children that we are, extremely lucky to experience these emotions through motorsport, we want to spoil children who are not so lucky in our own way. It’s a project that is unanimously supported by the whole team and one that we love to repeat whenever we can. Seeing their eyes light up and their smiles is priceless,” says Fabrice Thomazeau, Director of Communications and Marketing for the IDEC Group.
… Followed by qualifying, where only the top 12 are taken for Thursday’s hyperpole
The Automobile Club de l’Ouest is offering a real sprint with the Hyperpole and its new format. In 30 minutes, only #28, led by Job Van Uitert, qualified for tomorrow’s Hyperpole on Thursday, June 12. “It’s a mixed result, but we have to stay focused and keep working. We know we have the pace for the race. Le Mans is a long race!” reports Paul Lafargue, driver of #28.
Finishing with a nighttime free practice session
Jamie Chadwick, Mathys Jaubert, and Sebastian Alvarez completed the loop, each having completed their five mandatory timed laps at night. While Dutch driver Job Van Uitert loves these moments when only the cockpit lights illuminate his hands on the steering wheel and the few traffic signs light up, Mathys and Sebastian confirm that it is a particularly magical moment.
See you tomorrow, Thursday, June 12, for the hyperpole and free practice sessions 3 and 4, which you can follow on our social media channels.
