In Le Mans, everyone is busy in the paddock before the 24 Hours

The last moments of calm before a busy week ahead. No driving. No engine noise. No drivers chased by fans asking for an autograph. On this Monday, March 10, activity at the circuit seems very low.

The reality is quite different. In the motorhomes, in the team trucks, all the mechanics are busy. Some are cleaning car parts. Others are working on adjustments. A few are focused on engines and gearboxes. A sight that catches the eye. Because witnessing such preparation is not possible every day.

At Ferrari, the staff takes care of the front and rear wings. Some repairs here and there, a piece of black tape to restore its original appearance. And masks the impacts between the carbon and the track. All to restore its efficiency.

A little higher up on the track, at the village level, nothing has really come to life yet. The Michelin, Ferrari, or Peugeot stands are only made up of four walls, a roof, and carpet. By late morning, a few elements had arrived. At the manufacturer’s stand, the 499P remains well hidden under its tarp. The same hypercar, in yellow, is also tucked away across at the Scuderia.

The Good Year booth attracted the few spectators already present this Monday morning. A white truck, all doors open, contained the Nascar from Garage 56 that participated in the race last year. Delicately, a team took care of moving it out of the shuttle and placing it in its spot.

The operation, commanded by a handful of Italians, was meticulous and lasted around ten minutes. The racing car had to be placed precisely in the designated space.

At noon, Corvette as usual woke up the paddock with its loud siren, a sign of lunchtime. Some drivers made their appearance this way. Especially in the Jota team. They couldn’t escape the request for an autograph from a track marshal, present with her pouch full of items to be signed.

If this first day is quite calm, things should ramp up in intensity tomorrow, with the visit to the paddock and the pit stop challenge.