Despite most people attributing this quote to him sadly Michael Caine never actually said this… and is getting tired of reminding people of the fact.. he did however say “You're only supposed to blow the bloody doors off!” in the Italian Job.
Anyway this year’s programme has a little section in the driver bio’s called “Dit you know..” which is near enough for us..
- Since 1951 Porsche, as a manufacturer, has never missed a race . They have a total of 66 starts to their credit
- Each of the Porsche factory drivers spent 3.2 hours on a massage bed during the race.
- 2017 will be the first time Toyota has entered three cars since their return in 2012
- IDEC not only sponsor the #17 Ligier JSP217 but also the IDEC Sport trimaran that won Jules Verne Trophy ( for the fastest circumnavigation of the world) a record which it smashed by 40 days.
- Fabien Barthez driving car #23 Ligier JSP217 played football for France when they won 1998 World Cup and UEFA Euro 2000
- #24 ORECA 07 runs under Chinese colours because of their new partners are from China
- Jan Lammers former team was ‘Racing for Holland’ who raced here at Le Mans between 1999 and 2007.
- Ayrton Senna entered just one Endurance race this was the 1984 Nürburgring 1000 km in #7 New-man Porsche 956 . They came 8th.
- Zak Brown isn’t just McLaren’s Technology Group Executive Director but he is also one of owners of United Autosports who have entered the #32 Ligier JSP217
- Philip Hanson driver of #34 Ligier JSP217 is the youngest driver in the race, he is 17 years old.
- Matthew McMurray in the #45 Ligier JSP217 - raced at Le Mans in 2014 when he was just 16 years old
- #49 Ligier JSP217 run by ARC are the first team from Bratislava to enter 24 hours of Le Mans.
- With 19 wins Ferrari is the most successful GT manufacturer in WEC
- Corvette Racing havn’t missed a race here at Le Mans since 2000
- This will be Oliver Gavin’s 16th visit to Le Mans
- Chip Ganassi came to Le Mans in 1987 driving a Sauber C9… he didn't finish.
- Chip Ganassi Racing have won the Indianapolis 500 on four occasions.
- To date Porsche have achieved 105 class wins at Le Mans.. a record.
- Christina Nielsen driving the #65 Ferrari 488 GTE is the only woman competing here this year.
- Tracy Krohn and Niclas Johnsson #83 Ferrari 488 GTE have raced together here at Le Mans eleven times .. a record for team mates.
- The first time a car appeared in Gulf colours was 50 years ago in 1967.The car was a Mirage M1 painted in “Zenith Blue and Tangerine. The Mirage M1, was a prototype sports car based on the Ford GT40 and built by John Wyer Automotive Engineering.
- Salih Yoluc #90 Aston Martin Vantage is the first ever Turkish driver to race here.
- Mathias Lauda #98 Aston Martin Vantage is Niki Lauda’s son.
- The Porsche 919 Hybrid has 24 buttons on the steering wheel!
