As soon as I we heard the news that Porsche would compete the 24hours of Le Mans with the 911GT3 RSR, it was pretty sure for me I wouldn’t miss it. After all, the race is iconic, and Porsche gained its major victories there. Next to that, Porsche could win both the 99th and 100th class victory in this endurance race. No car manufacturer has ever been close to that. So wewanted to witness the race, and the glorious moment for Porsche in case they succeeded in winning both the LMGTE Pro and LMGTE AM class.
We arrived at wednessday noon. The camping was soaked as it rained cats and dogs when wecame closer to Le Mans. Luckily we could set up our tent at the Beausejour camping without getting wet, and soon we walked to the race track. Myself, I didn’t succeed in getting an accreditation, my friend Pedro had one, so he went to the press room and I started in the village to spot some drivers or ex drivers. Even though it was still 3 days for the race, lots of people gathered there, many of them packed with dozens of pictures, hunting for autograms.
The next day there were some trainings, which were very amusing to see as a spectator. The grandstands were rather empty, despite the fact that thousands and thousands of people were present yet. From the grandstand you have a tremendous view on the pitlane, and you can see how well organised all the teams work. Just amazing. The day ended with a late night training. Very spectacular to see.
Friday there’s usualy the drivers parade in the Le Mans city centre. We decided not to go thereas it would probably so crowded it would be almost impossible to find a parking spot, and next to that we probably wouldn’t see a thing. So I decided to visit the pitlane, which was allowed on friday. Some teams donated flyers or tshirts to the public. And it was great to see the ‘Cars of the Legend’ on the race track , from the pitlane to the Dunlop Bridge, the cars choosen as the most iconic car for each decade the 24hours of Le Mans existed. Porsche brought the 1970 Le Mans winning Porsche 917-023 and a Porsche 962 driven to victory by Dereck Bell, Bob Holbert and Hans-Joachim Stuck.
Saturday is the race day. It all starts with warming up at 9:00 in the morning, followed by some less important but nevertheless fun to see races like the Le Mans Legends race with vintage racers. Unfortunately only one Porsche , a 1954 Porsche 356 in the field, other great cars were Maserati’s, Aston Martins … For me the Ferrari Challenge Trofeo Pirelli was just an intermezzoto go grab some drinks and food and seek my place at tribune 11. I had a great view on both the startfield, and the corners up to the Dunlop Bridge.
It’s of no use to tell about the race itself as you have all followed it on the radio, tv and in the newspapers and magazines. 2 very important things to remember about the 24hours of Le Mans 2013. First of all, the tragic loss of Allan SImonsen who crashed his Aston Martin at Tertre Rouge. And second the 99th and 100th class victory for Porsche.
Porsche announced they will participate in the LMP1 Class next year. I’ll do my uttermost best to be there too, and I hope to see them win !!
