Thursday 21st November 2013

Porsche to build Le Mans driving centre

Porsche plans customer circuit incorporating Le Mans finish, just needs to ask ACO

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Discussing the challenge of how to enjoy the ever-increasing abilities of its cars on the public road Porsche's Wolfgang Hatz revealed to us that encouraging owners onto the track at its driving experience centres is one way of answering that need. With a new one nearing completion here in LA and another on the way at Atlanta that process is under way here in the States but he also let slip about another one in the pipeline at Le Mans to build on excitment about the brand's return to LMP1.

Yeah, I'm sure the French will be cool with it...

"This is part of our strategy to build more and more driving centres," he told us. "We have successfully Silverstone and here in the United States we will have two. I was just two days ago at the new facility here in Los Angeles and it's unbelievable, it's on the 405 north-south and it's directly there and it will be a huge success."

On a roll, he then let slip about another possibly on the way, and one close to PH hearts at that. "We are building one in Le Mans directly on the start and finish line," he said, thumping the table to hammer home his obvious excitement at the news. "It will be on the main tribune, just before the start-finish and the last part of the Porsche Curves will be part of the circuit. It will be directly on the Le Mans circuit and it will be a super experience for the people and they will love to do that!"

Perhaps mindful that Hatz was revealing a little too much a more measured PR tone was issued to us swiftly after the meeting saying "FYI - no contract signed with the ACO re Le Mans yet re Porsche driving centre. It is a project under discussion." One that we like the sound of.

[V8 GRF]

Great so even more corporate 'restricted access' at Le-Mans then.

[sideways man]

Stupid question time. Do I need to be a porsche owner,to have a crack at this?
If not,then sign me up!

[Ian_C]

There is already a track in place that uses the straight between Porsche Curves and the first of the Ford Chicanes, with a loop back that runs between said straight and the public road. I'd imagine this is what he is on about.

(from memory the Peugeot that crashed heavily during the May test weekend several years back ended up 'parked' where this loop rejoins the main circuit on the last right hander of the Porsche Curves)

[DodoRacing]

Sign me up please!

[DMN]

Ian_C said:

There is already a track in place that uses the straight between Porsche Curves and the first of the Ford Chicanes, with a loop back that runs between said straight and the public road. I'd imagine this is what he is on about.

(from memory the Peugeot that crashed heavily during the May test weekend several years back ended up 'parked' where this loop rejoins the main circuit on the last right hander of the Porsche Curves)

Yes, the Bugatti circuit.

[Ian_C]

DMN said:

Yes, the Bugatti circuit.

No, I a smaller loop further south, google maps link...

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Le+Mans&ll=47...

[VladD]

My brother-in-law lives about 2 miles from where the Atlanta one is being built, it used to be the old Ford factory. It has to be said that it's not a very glamourous location currently, whether that will change as a result of this we'll have to see. It's right next to the airport too. I'm looking forward to visiting next time we're over there.

[DMN]

Ian_C said:

No, I a smaller loop further south, google maps link...

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=Le+Mans&ll=47...

I know the one you mean, thats part of the Karting tracks isn't it? Where they normally put the garages for one of the support races.

[andyps]

There is clearly a new short circuit which uses the exit from the Porsche curve on the earth map that links to, but it isn't linked in a way which could include the main start/finish straight at the moment.

[nsm3]

Interestingly, I was told that the Germans weren't at all keen on the idea until Silverstone proved that it was a great marketing asset? A good half day out if you buy a new or used car.

[jakeb]