The weigh-in is one of the most eagerly awaited and closely followed traditions among fans. This
not-to-be-missed event marks the first high point for the IDEC SPORT Racing Team this year, along
with the technical and administrative checks. The six drivers, entered respectively in cars #18 and #28, have the opportunity to give their first comments on this 93rd edition, which already seems to be a very challenging one.
Of the 62 cars entered and the 186 drivers, the two Oreca 07s together with the six drivers from the
IDEC Sport Racing Team underwent administrative and technical scrutineering on Saturday 7 June in
the public eye.
Cars being examined from every angle
The first checkpoint, aimed at perfectly measuring the main dimensions of the car (width, length,
overhang, wheelbase, height of the spoiler, centreboard, dimensions of the cut-outs above the spoilers,
etc.) was passed with flying colours, as was the second, which involved examining the underside of
each LMP2 (front and rear diffusers, size and shape of the floorboard). The final section also proved to
be compliant, showing positive results in tests in which the bodywork is partially dismantled to inspect
the safety components (fire extinguishers, seatbelts, circuit breakers, headlights, indicators, hybrid
electrical safety devices, etc.), as well as the fuel tank, engine oil vapour recuperator, and more.
Drivers too….
The two crews of cars #18 and #28 also went through the administrative checks (licences, helmets and
overalls, which have to meet FIA standards) before they too went on the scales to determine the
average weight of the team.
Before the traditional picture and interviews
Paul Lafargue, #28: “I always feel like a kid when I see the entry list and see that I’m on it. It’s the most
beautiful race in the world. This is my ninth time, but the magic is still there. The atmosphere is crazy. I
think back to my father, who I saw racing here, and that’s what made me want to do it too. I know
we’re competitive, but that’s not enough in Le Mans. Everything has to come together to score a result.
We must maintain our efforts. This year, we have a good trio again, with Seb (Alvarez) who has just
joined us.”
Job Van Uitert, #28: “I can’t wait! It’s the most amusing race of the year, the most legendary. Le Mans
speaks for itself. Last year’s podium means a lot and I’m happy to have experienced that with IDEC
SPORT. I’d like to do it again, or even better. In fact, if I’m offered a podium right now, I’ll sign up straight
away, especially after the lack of luck we encountered during the first two ELMS races. I’m happy to be racing with Sebastian again, because we’ve both got a slight thirst for revenge. And of course with Paul,
with whom we have a lot in common.”
Sébastian Alvarez, #28: “It’s just incredible to be able to race the 24 Hours of Le Mans with a team like
IDEC SPORT. I’m super excited at the idea of taking part in this race, it’s the kind of event you put on
your Santa’s list! I know Job well, as we were team-mates in Daytona. The atmosphere in the team is
excellent. Now that I’ve got my simulator licence, I’m going to take advantage of every lap of the official
test on Sunday to learn and familiarise myself with the circuit.”
“TRUST THE OUTPOST. EVEN IF THE TASK WILL NOT BE EASY, AS THE LEVEL IS SO HIGH.”
Mathys Jaubert, #18: “We started to handle the car in the Le Mans configuration just after the 4 Hours
of Le Castellet. You don’t really feel any difference on the straight lines, but you certainly do in curves. I
know the Le Mans circuit quite well, having driven it twice before. I’m delighted to have (finally)
discovered all the procedures specific to the Le Mans 24 Hours via the simulator, which is compulsory
as a rookie. Now I’m really looking forward to the official test on Sunday with the whole team, and to
reaching up to 310km/h in the Hunaudières at the wheel of our LMP2. ”
Jamie Chadwick, #18: “I’ve been to Le Mans a few times before and I believe it’s going to be incredible
to experience it from within. I’ve had it on my wish list for a long time. Racing there in LMP2 is going to
be fantastic. We may have won the first two ELMS meetings, but I don’t think anything can prepare you
for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The official session in the simulator has enabled me to familiarise myself
with all the procedures that we need to know specifically for the race in Le Mans. I feel pretty well
prepared. I’m looking forward to Sunday because there’s definitely no substitute for driving in real
conditions, with traffic and uncertain weather conditions. ”
André Lotterer, #18: “It’s great to be back in Le Mans, especially being part of the Genesis Magma
racing programme. I wasn’t supposed to race this year but I obviously said yes straight away when the
opportunity arose. Everything feels natural with the car. I felt at ease straight away. It’s very pleasant
to drive. The IDEC SPORT team is very professional. Of course I want to win, but Le Mans always remains
Le Mans. We’ll give it our all. The biggest change for me will be the traffic, with the fact that I’ll have to
keep an eye on the Hypercars in my rear-view mirrors. The difference in speed remains acceptable
however. I guess overtaking will occur under braking or in a straight line. ”
