Le Mans – This and That

23. September 2010In Le Mans the round of the FIA European Truck Racing Championship is
called „24 Heures Camions“. To answer a question that is asked from time to time, the trucks are not really on the track 24 hours at a stretch, but go through the same routine as in all the other events. The name is a reminiscence of the race the circuit in Le Mans became famous for. But at least the Saturday event could have been called „12 Heures Camions“ with good reason, because shortly after 8:00 a.m. the trucks lined up on the starting grid for the first time and it was shortly after 8:00 p.m. when they last one returned to their pits.
In the final race at the Circuit Bugatti Antonio Albacete almost succeeded in securing the championship title for the third time – but by putting up determined resistance three Renault drivers prevented this from happening. It was clear that the Spanish MAN pilot would have to outgun the MKR Technology Renaults right at the start, because they would do their utmost to keep him from overtaking them during the race. But that local hero Anthony Janiec in Team 14-Renault outdid himself – although Albacete was actually faster, the Frenchman fended off every attack and crossed the finish line ahead of the Spaniard by a hair’s breadth – not only sent the home crowds to their feet, but will also provide for a pinch of excitement in the final taking place in less than two weeks. Otherwise the penultimate racing weekend was once again a prime example of the Cepsa Team’s clever strategy during the entire season. Some other pilots were involved in spectacular actions, but they rather preferred to stay out of trouble and eagerly collect points.
Again Jochen Hahn will probably have to assume the role of “crown prince” in the MAN squad. The German was time and again dogged by bad luck. But also the two MKR pilots can tell a thing or two about that – at the start of the season Markus Oestreich (GER) was the unlucky fellow and a bit later Markus Bösiger (SUI) got his share, too. Perhaps some people secretly hope that now it will be Albacete’s turn. But to collect a mere 4 points in four races – that’s a task the Spaniard will certainly be able to manage blindfold, especially on his “home” track.
Le Mans was once again one of the spectacular highlights of the FIA European Truck Racing Championship. The event at the Circuit Bugatti attracted an audience of almost 52,000 enjoying the pleasant weather conditions. On Saturday evening there was again non-stop action with spectacular – mostly deafening – show highlights. But all those people who wanted to escape from the noise could again enjoy the ideal alternative programme – a no less spectacular video projector show “Night of the Chimaera” in the historic quarters of Le Mans.
Another matter that leapt to the eye at the Circuit Bugatti were the many control zones before you could enter the circuit. There was a scanner system installed, and every ticket, every parking permit was scanned not only when you entered the huge area but also when you left. Considering the number of people flocking to the circuit, congestions were inevitable. And there were several people among the staff who seemed to have a tendency to be overeager.
In addition to their yellow journalist pass, accredited press people who wanted to get access to the track to take photos or film scenes had to wear a coloured waistcoat. To get only into the pit lane or to the starting grid, the blue tickets for the team members were sufficient. But every team has also got at least one journalist pass which is necessary to get into the press centre.
One of the team managers had both tickets fastened on a strap. The inspector refused admission to the pit lane, because he did not wear the coloured waistcoat in addition to the journalist pass. The team manager pointed out that he owned also a blue team ticket which is sufficient to get into the pit lane and the starting grid. But as there were both tickets fastened in one strap, the inspector insisted on the waistcoat. The team manager told him in no uncertain manner that he would take the yellow journalist ticket off the strap and put it into his trouser pocket if he wasn’t allowed to pass through immediately. Meanwhile 30 to 40 people were waiting at the narrow gate who wanted to get onto the starting grid as soon as possible. Maybe the grumbling queue or the absurdity of his request brought the young man wearing a jacket and tie to his senses – finally he allowed the team manager to enter without a coloured waistcoat.
The Circuit Bugatti is now one of the circuits where bicycles are prohibited. For photographers who have to move on the narrow emergency routes alongside the track a bike is the ideal means of transport; often much better suited than the omnipresent motor scooters. In Le Mans the bikes always had to be equipped with the same sort of entrance stickers as the scooters or cars. But this year you couldn’t get any stickers for bikes. It was stated that bikes were no longer allowed, only scooters and cars.
One might wonder about the deeper meaning of a FIA campaign such as “Make Cars Green”, when on the other hand the only completely environment-friendly means of transport is prohibited at the circuits.
After all, the Circuit Bugatti is not the first and not the only race track where bikes are banned.