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| The Strakka Dome was first through the pesage process. |
I have to admit to (personally) being a bit equivocal about the whole 'pesage' thing, mainly that not much ever happens. That said, it is hugely popular with the local population of Le Mans who always turn out in impressive numbers to watch the cars do their slowest lap of the week around the various tents set up around the Place de la Republique where cars are weighed, measured and inspected for safety and compliance with regulations. In 2014 it was a cold and soggy affair but this year the soleil has his chapeau on and the crowd have parasols up for shade rather than shelter.
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| The KCMG Oreca 05 is pushed into the first stage of 'verification'. |
The event kicked off at 14:00 and by 14:30 the first cars were being presented to beard-stroking and head-shaking scrutineers. While cars get their inspection, so do the drivers. The signing-on process happens behind closed doors, but there is a substantial area in the centre of the square where tables and chairs are set out where drivers sit to await their turn through the administrative mill. This is an opportunity for journalists and photographers to mix and chat with the 'pilotes' in a fairly relaxed atmosphere. Once the cars have passed the last stage of
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| Rebellion Racing driver 'selfie' |
scrutineering, there is an area where team pictures are orchestrated for the assembled photographers. Drivers and team managers are then invited to the main stage where they are interviewed by the effusive French commentator Bruno Vandestick and the somewhat more measured tones of David Waldron. Drivers generally say how happy they are to be here and how competitive and optimistic they are. At least one will say that "24 hours is a long time". A good time will be had by all, and the good people of Le Mans plus a few early arriving race fans from further afield will have had one of the closest encounters with cars and drivers of the 24 hours of the entire race week.
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| Team SARD Morand were last through pesage today |
Today was a half-day from 14:00 to 18:00 but tomorrow will be a full on 10:00 to 17:00 of pesage fun and frolic that starts with the two LMGTE Am Team AAI Porsches and finishes up with the distinctive lime green LMP2 Krohn Racing Ligier JS P2 - Judd.
