Le Mans 24 Hours scrutineering 2014

The KCMG Oreca-Nissan arrives in the square.

The scrutineering and driver sign-on process (known to the French as 'pesage') is given a festival atmosphere in Le Mans city centre. What would normally be a relatively dull set of inspections takes place in the Place de La Republique where a set of tents and metal barriers define the short lap of the square. The local population are however given a uniquely intimate and close-up view of both cars and drivers. While the cars are processed, the drivers have licences checked, race suit and helmet authorized and official head shots taken. Finally they appear on a small stage to answer questions in front of an appreciative crowd. It has to be said, the 'pesage' is fairly low key, but it does have a relaxed party atmosphere that contrasts sharply with the more serious events of later in the week. 

Driver interviews are a public favourite.

This year, it was no surprise that all cars and drivers passed muster without incident. There were a few highlights during the day such as the revelation of the #75 Prospeed Porsche in its unique 'Art car' livery and the surprise unfurling of a giant banner by the Corvette team thanking the people of Le Mans for their support. 

The 'Art car' of Prospeed brought Celtic art to the 24 hours

Rumours of a Ferrari prototype programme were given credibility with the promise of an announcement on Saturday that is expected to reveal a Garage 56 project for the Prancing Horse, leading to a possible factory LM P1 programme the following year.... watch this space!

There have been major changes this year. Following the fatal accident of Allan Simonsen during the 2013 race, the ACO have implemented improvements to the safety barriers at the Tertre Rouge and Corvette (formerly the Karting “S”) corners. Tec-Pro barriers have also been added at the Porsche curves, and beefy inner kerbs have been added at the Ford chicane to dissuade corner cutting. At test day a few drivers were caught out by the big kerbs, including the flying Porsche #91 that retired with broken chassis and #66 Ferrari sustaining suspension damage. Additionally, a slow zone system will be utilized for minor incidents by limiting all cars in one section of the circuit to a speed to a speed of 60kmh (37mph). 

The #24 Oreca Nissan is entered by 9 times World Rally Champion Sebastien Loeb.

Rookies and drivers who have not raced at Le Mans for the past 5 years will be required to participate in a half-day simulator training course. All cars will be fitted with an in-car marshalling telemetry system to help the race controller send out information.

Here is a quick reminder of the classes running at the 24 hours 2014.

The #3 Audi has Britain's Oliver Jarvis in its driver line-up

LM P1 (9 Cars)  : The premier class in endurance racing, competing with purpose built prototypes. LM P1-H is for manufacturer entries and Hybrid technology, free engine size, while LM P1-L (Light) is for privateer teams and with engine size limited to 5.5 litres and they are also 20kg lighter (850kg minimum - but see #12 Rebellion Racing). Hybrid cars can run in any of the Energy Recovery System classes – <2MJ (chosen by

Drivers of #66 JMW Motorsport Ferrari 458 Italia, Spencer Pumpelly and Seth Neiman sign autographs 

Audi), <4MJ, <6MJ (chosen by Toyota & Porsche) or <8 MJ. The cars carry Red number panels and have White headlamps. HY on engine cover denotes hybrid system installed. No bronze rated drivers allowed. Fuel tank size is 68.3 litres for petrol engine cars and 54.3 litres for diesel. The cars have a 7 speed gearbox. All cars are running on Michelin tyres.

LM P2 (17 Cars) : The second prototype class, featuring purpose built cars with a cost cap of €400,000. 5 litre normally aspirated or 3.2 litre turbo engines allowed (petrol only). Each entry must feature at least one bronze or silver rated driver. 

The cars carry Blue number panels and have Yellow headlamps. Fuel tank size is 75 litres and minimum weight 900kg. The cars have a 6 speed gearbox.

The only class with a “tyre war”, with  12 cars running on Dunlop tyres and 5 on Michelins (#24 Oreca, #27 Oreca, #33 Ligier, #37 Oreca and #50 Morgan). 

GTE Pro (9 Cars)  : The top production based category in Le Mans racing. The cars share a basic resemblance and some components with their road car cousins. The maximum engine size is 5.5 litres for normally aspirated cars or 4 litres for turbos (petrol only). GTE cars must be approved road going vehicles of which at least 100 have been built (25 in the case of small manufacturers).

The cars have Green number panels and Yellow headlamps. No restrictions on drivers. Fuel tank size is normally 90 litres and minimum weight 1,245 kg, but may be adjusted by Balance of Performance changes. The cars have a 6 speed gearbox. All GTE Pro and Am cars are running on Michelin tyres.

GTE Am (19 Cars)  : The same regulations as GTE Pro. They must feature at least one bronze rated driver and one bronze or silver rated driver. 

The cars have Orange number panels and Yellow headlamps. The cars have a 6 speed gearbox.

Innovative Technology (1 Car)  : An entry which demonstrates new automotive technology. The Nissan ZEOD RC is powered by electric motors and a small petrol engine. The car aims to complete the first all-electric lap of the famous 8.5 mile circuit. The car has Black number panels.