The run up to the 85th 24 Hours of Le Mans now really kicks off with the start of scrutineering today in the centre of Le Mans, at the Place de la République.
During the scrutineering process, the cars have to go through three stations. At the first station, all cars will be measured to make sure they fit the regulations. The width, length, weelbase, wings and fins ... all will be measured up to the millimeter, and the cars will be weighed to check if they comply with their minimum weight.
The third and final station will check the cars safety equipment (belts, fire extinguishers, indicators, hybrid safety systems), for which the bodywork partially has to be removed. Next to the safety devices, the data acquisition system and marshalling systems, which gives the drivers info about what's going on on track, in the car will also thoroughly be tested. The Hybrid cars of Porsche and Toyota will undergo an extra scrutineering on Tuesday at the track.
Not only the cars will have to go through scrutineering, the drivers will also go through several adminstrative checks. Their licenses, driver suits and all equipment must comply with the FIA standards and undergo inspection. The drivers will also be weighed to define their average weight per car. The drivers will also be interviewed on the stage opposite the grandstand at the entry of the scrutineering area.
When all scrutineering tests are done, the cars will be rolled out in the Place de la République for the annual team photo with drivers, mechanics ... A must see if you're around at scrutineering and a very nice opportunity to meet the drivers afterwards.
Both Graff's Oreca 07's will be the first to go through scrutineering this afternoon, starting at 14h30. 22 cars will be checked today, the #86 Gulf Racing Porsche 911 the last one at 17.30h. The Porsche 919 Hybrids are scheduled for 15.20h today. The remaining 38 cars will arrive in the centre of Le Mans beginning at 9.30h with the #49 ARC Bratislava Ligier. Closing up "le pesage" - as the French say - will be #82 Risi Competizione Ferrari. All three Toyota's are also scheduled for Monday afternoon, starting from 14.10h. Scrutineering timetable
Updated entry list
Kristof Vermeulen.
