2025 experience
Discussion
As the title says – how did everyone experience this year?
It's a bit of a shame to be stuck behind a desk instead of enjoying a beer at the campsite, but unfortunately, it's really over now. Personally, I thought it was a great year, and I’m already looking forward to the next edition. There’s really nothing that can beat the atmosphere at Le Mans – it’s absolutely fantastic. A big plus this year was the new viewing area at Karting Sud.
It's a bit of a shame to be stuck behind a desk instead of enjoying a beer at the campsite, but unfortunately, it's really over now. Personally, I thought it was a great year, and I’m already looking forward to the next edition. There’s really nothing that can beat the atmosphere at Le Mans – it’s absolutely fantastic. A big plus this year was the new viewing area at Karting Sud.
Mine was fantastic.
I settled into my comfy chair at about 2.00pm. Used the remote to switch on the TV for pictures and fired up the two laptops, one for sound - connected by BT to the sound bar - and one for data. I obviously used RLM for sound and WEC-TV for pictures and circuit sound.
I used the rather nice main bathroom about fifteen minutes before the start and, at 2.55pm I was given a cold beer and a rather good lunch of baguette filled with saucisson-sec and Camembert.
Dinner - coronation chicken salad - came with more beer at about 9.00pm. I stayed in my comfy chair until about 1.00am and then retired to my lovely bed, thinking that not much was going to happen at that point. I left RLM playing quietly and dozed off.
After a really good sleep, a nice warm shower and pains au chocolat with strong coffee for breakfast, I was back in the comfy chair for 8.00am and, apart from a couple of trips the bathroom, there I stayed until 3.00pm. Lunch was a variation of the previous day, with added salad and a very pleasant fruit concoction for dessert.
Obviously, many thanks to mrsrlw who provided meals and snacks throughout.
NB. I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
I settled into my comfy chair at about 2.00pm. Used the remote to switch on the TV for pictures and fired up the two laptops, one for sound - connected by BT to the sound bar - and one for data. I obviously used RLM for sound and WEC-TV for pictures and circuit sound.
I used the rather nice main bathroom about fifteen minutes before the start and, at 2.55pm I was given a cold beer and a rather good lunch of baguette filled with saucisson-sec and Camembert.
Dinner - coronation chicken salad - came with more beer at about 9.00pm. I stayed in my comfy chair until about 1.00am and then retired to my lovely bed, thinking that not much was going to happen at that point. I left RLM playing quietly and dozed off.
After a really good sleep, a nice warm shower and pains au chocolat with strong coffee for breakfast, I was back in the comfy chair for 8.00am and, apart from a couple of trips the bathroom, there I stayed until 3.00pm. Lunch was a variation of the previous day, with added salad and a very pleasant fruit concoction for dessert.
Obviously, many thanks to mrsrlw who provided meals and snacks throughout.
NB. I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
Edited by rlw on Monday 16th June 10:24
Circuit side major improvements to circulation spaces including footbridges over the roads at most if not all the pedestrian access points. Many more toilets, some of the temporary facilities were better than others.
Food vending options much improved and additional fan zones looked popular. Free bus worked well.
Beausejour is just so large as a campsite and the big compounds in it are a pain in the bum. Quite why they don’t fill the area on the left of the entrance so closer the main circuit at the beginning is a mystery.
No idea how long it took everyone to get out of Beausejour, we packed up and in the morning and moved the car to the University and caught the tram back. Did seem to be a lot of cars parked at Carrefour even though it was Sunday so closed.
Food vending options much improved and additional fan zones looked popular. Free bus worked well.
Beausejour is just so large as a campsite and the big compounds in it are a pain in the bum. Quite why they don’t fill the area on the left of the entrance so closer the main circuit at the beginning is a mystery.
No idea how long it took everyone to get out of Beausejour, we packed up and in the morning and moved the car to the University and caught the tram back. Did seem to be a lot of cars parked at Carrefour even though it was Sunday so closed.
Sadly as I was at risk of redundancy early in the year I had to give it a miss (ironically got offered free tickets but couldn't then get the Friday off)
With eurosport now going to TNT I was trying to work out how to watch it but thankfully I found a nice man on youtube who streamed the WHOLE lot without issue which was the TNT pictures. I just muted it and had Radio Le Mans on instead.
I set myself up about 2pm Saturday and watched till about 4am. Sunday I made an appearance to the family for a few hours and went for breakfast being fathers day before retiring back to this time the TV for the family to watch as it was on Quest.
I am going to be back next year as my brother has told me we are going again but I the whattsapp group "the grapevine" was a massive help with seeing things on the ground.
Dunlop bridge crush to get over. Porsche bridge crush to get over. 2hr wait at Arnage for a tram back to circuit and the line waiting to get in at 2am was MENTAL.
Be good to see what people at the race thought of crowds etc.
With eurosport now going to TNT I was trying to work out how to watch it but thankfully I found a nice man on youtube who streamed the WHOLE lot without issue which was the TNT pictures. I just muted it and had Radio Le Mans on instead.
I set myself up about 2pm Saturday and watched till about 4am. Sunday I made an appearance to the family for a few hours and went for breakfast being fathers day before retiring back to this time the TV for the family to watch as it was on Quest.
I am going to be back next year as my brother has told me we are going again but I the whattsapp group "the grapevine" was a massive help with seeing things on the ground.
Dunlop bridge crush to get over. Porsche bridge crush to get over. 2hr wait at Arnage for a tram back to circuit and the line waiting to get in at 2am was MENTAL.
Be good to see what people at the race thought of crowds etc.
I got the train over on Friday morning and took my folding bike and minimal camping gear, as I was solo this year. I did a lap of the track and even got a puncture on the Mulsanne straight (Decathlon to the rescue). The car show had an interesting mix of machinery. Lots of modern Porsches you could see anywhere (yawn) but also lots of classic 911s and some Festival of the Unexceptional type stuff, like a bog standard gold Escort mk2 exactly like the one my parents had when I was a kid, and a lovely metallic green 306 Cabriolet. Appreciate that sort of stuff won't float everyone's boats but I enjoyed it. Friday night, watched the concerts (Kungs was far better than I was expecting) then got some kip in my bivvy bag on the grass by the exit of Garage Vert on the Bugatti circuit.
Saturday, had a bit of a lie-in then did the usual checking out of the various exhibitions in the village. A nice mix of the modern cars and some older ones (a Leyton House Porsche and a Sauber-Mercedes C9 the highlights). Had a very interesting chat with one of the chemists manning the hydrogen engine stand. As expected, crowds started to build up and it got very busy. There seemed to be more people even than last year, however the human traffic was moving more freely through tunnels and across bridges. I watched the build-up and start on a big screen while sitting in a deckchair and waited an hour or so for the crowds to start dispersing before I went trackside.
As the light started to fade, I headed down to Indianapolis and then Arnage. There's a completely different atmosphere out at the southern end of the circuit. It was possibly quieter than last year down there. The effort to get there does seem to keep the crowds (relatively) thin. On the way back, encountered an unfortunate victim of a RTA being stuffed into a helicopter and taken off to hospital - not sure of the hows or whys, but a good reminder to use lights if you're cycling or walking (or e-scooting) along those dark roads. Headed to the pit straight to hear the scream of those Astons reverberating off the grandstands. They really do make a wonderful noise, as do the Caddys, though completely opposite in character.
Much as I wanted to stay up all night, I was tired after a few bad nights sleep at home (thanks kids!) so got my head down in the same spot as the night before, but woke up a bit earlier to find that the SC had changed the race since I'd gone to sleep. Grabbed an Italian sarnie (I do find the food at LM to be decent quality and good value for an event) and walked up to the Forest Esses. It was HOT. Hat, suncream and massive water bottle essential. Moved along to Tertre Rouge for a bit, then for the end back to Dunlop as I needed to make a quick exit to catch the TGV back to Paris.
I didn't venture to an official campsite, but the on-circuit toilets and showers were cleaner and less busy than previous years. There were also lots more drinking water points. One thing I noticed was the sheer amount of stuff to entertain kids now, from the organised electric kart races in the Family zone right down to an arts and crafts tent run by little old ladies. I might even bring them with me next year.
Saturday, had a bit of a lie-in then did the usual checking out of the various exhibitions in the village. A nice mix of the modern cars and some older ones (a Leyton House Porsche and a Sauber-Mercedes C9 the highlights). Had a very interesting chat with one of the chemists manning the hydrogen engine stand. As expected, crowds started to build up and it got very busy. There seemed to be more people even than last year, however the human traffic was moving more freely through tunnels and across bridges. I watched the build-up and start on a big screen while sitting in a deckchair and waited an hour or so for the crowds to start dispersing before I went trackside.
As the light started to fade, I headed down to Indianapolis and then Arnage. There's a completely different atmosphere out at the southern end of the circuit. It was possibly quieter than last year down there. The effort to get there does seem to keep the crowds (relatively) thin. On the way back, encountered an unfortunate victim of a RTA being stuffed into a helicopter and taken off to hospital - not sure of the hows or whys, but a good reminder to use lights if you're cycling or walking (or e-scooting) along those dark roads. Headed to the pit straight to hear the scream of those Astons reverberating off the grandstands. They really do make a wonderful noise, as do the Caddys, though completely opposite in character.
Much as I wanted to stay up all night, I was tired after a few bad nights sleep at home (thanks kids!) so got my head down in the same spot as the night before, but woke up a bit earlier to find that the SC had changed the race since I'd gone to sleep. Grabbed an Italian sarnie (I do find the food at LM to be decent quality and good value for an event) and walked up to the Forest Esses. It was HOT. Hat, suncream and massive water bottle essential. Moved along to Tertre Rouge for a bit, then for the end back to Dunlop as I needed to make a quick exit to catch the TGV back to Paris.
I didn't venture to an official campsite, but the on-circuit toilets and showers were cleaner and less busy than previous years. There were also lots more drinking water points. One thing I noticed was the sheer amount of stuff to entertain kids now, from the organised electric kart races in the Family zone right down to an arts and crafts tent run by little old ladies. I might even bring them with me next year.
rlw said:
Mine was fantastic.
I settled into my comfy chair at about 2.00pm. Used the remote to switch on the TV for pictures and fired up the two laptops, one for sound - connected by BT to the sound bar - and one for data. I obviously used RLM for sound and WEC-TV for pictures and circuit sound.
I used the rather nice main bathroom about fifteen minutes before the start and, at 2.55pm I was given a cold beer and a rather good lunch of baguette filled with saucisson-sec and Camembert.
Dinner - coronation chicken salad - came with more beer at about 9.00pm. I stayed in my comfy chair until about 1.00am and then retired to my lovely bed, thinking that not much was going to happen at that point. I left RLM playing quietly and dozed off.
After a really good sleep, a nice warm shower and pains au chocolat with strong coffee for breakfast, I was back in the comfy chair for 8.00am and, apart from a couple of trips the bathroom, there I stayed until 3.00pm. Lunch was a variation of the previous day, with added salad and a very pleasant fruit concoction for dessert.
Obviously, many thanks to mrsrlw who provided meals and snacks throughout.
NB. I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
I've come to the same conclusion and really enjoyed it this year. I loved the times I've been but as a more mature adult I'm not sure it holds the same appeal, I actually want to follow the race rather than get ratarsed for 3 days.I settled into my comfy chair at about 2.00pm. Used the remote to switch on the TV for pictures and fired up the two laptops, one for sound - connected by BT to the sound bar - and one for data. I obviously used RLM for sound and WEC-TV for pictures and circuit sound.
I used the rather nice main bathroom about fifteen minutes before the start and, at 2.55pm I was given a cold beer and a rather good lunch of baguette filled with saucisson-sec and Camembert.
Dinner - coronation chicken salad - came with more beer at about 9.00pm. I stayed in my comfy chair until about 1.00am and then retired to my lovely bed, thinking that not much was going to happen at that point. I left RLM playing quietly and dozed off.
After a really good sleep, a nice warm shower and pains au chocolat with strong coffee for breakfast, I was back in the comfy chair for 8.00am and, apart from a couple of trips the bathroom, there I stayed until 3.00pm. Lunch was a variation of the previous day, with added salad and a very pleasant fruit concoction for dessert.
Obviously, many thanks to mrsrlw who provided meals and snacks throughout.
NB. I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
Edited by rlw on Monday 16th June 10:24
Still had a few bevvies on Saturday but boy was it nice to not share ablutions and get a proper quiet kip.
Venisonpie said:
rlw said:
Mine was fantastic.
I settled into my comfy chair at about 2.00pm. Used the remote to switch on the TV for pictures and fired up the two laptops, one for sound - connected by BT to the sound bar - and one for data. I obviously used RLM for sound and WEC-TV for pictures and circuit sound.
I used the rather nice main bathroom about fifteen minutes before the start and, at 2.55pm I was given a cold beer and a rather good lunch of baguette filled with saucisson-sec and Camembert.
Dinner - coronation chicken salad - came with more beer at about 9.00pm. I stayed in my comfy chair until about 1.00am and then retired to my lovely bed, thinking that not much was going to happen at that point. I left RLM playing quietly and dozed off.
After a really good sleep, a nice warm shower and pains au chocolat with strong coffee for breakfast, I was back in the comfy chair for 8.00am and, apart from a couple of trips the bathroom, there I stayed until 3.00pm. Lunch was a variation of the previous day, with added salad and a very pleasant fruit concoction for dessert.
Obviously, many thanks to mrsrlw who provided meals and snacks throughout.
NB. I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
I've come to the same conclusion and really enjoyed it this year. I loved the times I've been but as a more mature adult I'm not sure it holds the same appeal, I actually want to follow the race rather than get ratarsed for 3 days.I settled into my comfy chair at about 2.00pm. Used the remote to switch on the TV for pictures and fired up the two laptops, one for sound - connected by BT to the sound bar - and one for data. I obviously used RLM for sound and WEC-TV for pictures and circuit sound.
I used the rather nice main bathroom about fifteen minutes before the start and, at 2.55pm I was given a cold beer and a rather good lunch of baguette filled with saucisson-sec and Camembert.
Dinner - coronation chicken salad - came with more beer at about 9.00pm. I stayed in my comfy chair until about 1.00am and then retired to my lovely bed, thinking that not much was going to happen at that point. I left RLM playing quietly and dozed off.
After a really good sleep, a nice warm shower and pains au chocolat with strong coffee for breakfast, I was back in the comfy chair for 8.00am and, apart from a couple of trips the bathroom, there I stayed until 3.00pm. Lunch was a variation of the previous day, with added salad and a very pleasant fruit concoction for dessert.
Obviously, many thanks to mrsrlw who provided meals and snacks throughout.
NB. I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
Edited by rlw on Monday 16th June 10:24
Still had a few bevvies on Saturday but boy was it nice to not share ablutions and get a proper quiet kip.
HardtopManual said:
I got the train over on Friday morning and took my folding bike and minimal camping gear, as I was solo this year. I did a lap of the track and even got a puncture on the Mulsanne straight (Decathlon to the rescue). The car show ......
Love this 
I watched at home via TNT & timing on my laptop, went to the pub for, got back @ 12:30 & watched a bit more and then Sunday to the finish.
Coverage was better this year than last, although as ever the TV Directors seem determined to cut to pit scenes just as something's happening on track, and certain cars get zero coverage.
I need to get back out there as it's several years since I've been & I suspect quite a bit's changed.
rlw said:
I might actually go again soon, just to see what's changed but, for me, following the race on TV is so much better.
I've only been once, in 2016, but I must go again. Perhaps I can start a tradition of going every 10 years?!
I have to say, I do enjoy watching it on TV with my home comforts though.
After going to the Classic years ago and having a thoroughly miserable experience with horrendous heat, awful camping, I have zero interest in ever going there again unless I can stay away from the venue and be driven everywhere and the cost of that is not really money I wish to pay.
I enjoy the week, I enjoy seeing one brand dominate less, but overall the race week is a good experience.
I enjoy the week, I enjoy seeing one brand dominate less, but overall the race week is a good experience.
I watched it from home in the UK for the first time so whilst not avid as others, my phone had the WEC app and even though I went out yesterday late morning, I had signal to keep an eye on things and managed to get back 5 minutes before the end - I'll be back in 2026 though but I'm starting to wonder about the benefits of being based away from the circuit & having a team car to move everyone to/from the circuit!?
MrC986 said:
I watched it from home in the UK for the first time so whilst not avid as others, my phone had the WEC app and even though I went out yesterday late morning, I had signal to keep an eye on things and managed to get back 5 minutes before the end - I'll be back in 2026 though but I'm starting to wonder about the benefits of being based away from the circuit & having a team car to move everyone to/from the circuit!?
The last time I went we sort of did that. Rented a Gite about 5 mins South of Mulsanne and booked car parking spots for 3 days in bleu iirc. We were in sports cars so 4 cars needed to go each day but overall a great option.I haven't camped on site since my first visit. I could sleep through the cars but not the Dutch Techno, the East German gas canons and the descent of the scavengers on Sunday night.
I found a nice municipal campsite not far away and booked a place in Parking Rouge. I went to less sessions but enjoyed the race far more for being rested.
I found a nice municipal campsite not far away and booked a place in Parking Rouge. I went to less sessions but enjoyed the race far more for being rested.
A few thoughts as a first timer to Le Mans versus several WEC rounds, F1 races and other such events.
First, the cars. The Valkyrie was sublime, the Alpines better than i remember, but for me the Cadillacs were the standouts. The ground shook when they went by. Then the Ferraris and Toyotas sounded mean in their own way.
The organisation, facilities and general management of people was top notch. 332k people I read and no bottlenecks that I experienced.
Impressive variety of good quality food options, and plenty to do for wife/kids had I decided to bring mine.
We stayed in an Airbnb walking distance to the circuit. Good decision in some ways but I felt I might have been missing out on the fun at some of the campsites. I never got to visit the 1sttickets area. Maybe next time.
Enjoyed the cars on display to and from the Eurotunnel. I doubt they'll read this but the 2x 911s and Huracan sure got a fright from the unmarked white Tesla. I was in a blue RS6 if anybody saw me.
Some negatives:
They manage the volume of people well but the big stores and food outlets had queues all weekend long. Could do with expanding the facilities further still.
Probably controversial but I've never seen what the LMP2s add. They appeared to mostly get in the way of the Hypercars which either needed speeding up or the P2s needed slowing down. With Ford, McLaren, Genesis and probably Mercedes coming I don't think they'll be missed.
I went in the T10 grandstand. Probably wouldn't bother again. There are better viewing points in the general admission areas, just bring a foldout chair.
Overall a great experience, definitely the best all round motorsport event I've been to and already planning next year.
First, the cars. The Valkyrie was sublime, the Alpines better than i remember, but for me the Cadillacs were the standouts. The ground shook when they went by. Then the Ferraris and Toyotas sounded mean in their own way.
The organisation, facilities and general management of people was top notch. 332k people I read and no bottlenecks that I experienced.
Impressive variety of good quality food options, and plenty to do for wife/kids had I decided to bring mine.
We stayed in an Airbnb walking distance to the circuit. Good decision in some ways but I felt I might have been missing out on the fun at some of the campsites. I never got to visit the 1sttickets area. Maybe next time.
Enjoyed the cars on display to and from the Eurotunnel. I doubt they'll read this but the 2x 911s and Huracan sure got a fright from the unmarked white Tesla. I was in a blue RS6 if anybody saw me.
Some negatives:
They manage the volume of people well but the big stores and food outlets had queues all weekend long. Could do with expanding the facilities further still.
Probably controversial but I've never seen what the LMP2s add. They appeared to mostly get in the way of the Hypercars which either needed speeding up or the P2s needed slowing down. With Ford, McLaren, Genesis and probably Mercedes coming I don't think they'll be missed.
I went in the T10 grandstand. Probably wouldn't bother again. There are better viewing points in the general admission areas, just bring a foldout chair.
Overall a great experience, definitely the best all round motorsport event I've been to and already planning next year.
It was just So Busy!
So many people camping out at every corner in folding chairs, there's barely any space to watch from as a wandering pedestrian.
Also, the shuttle bus system has been massively improved, but it still took an hour to queue to get from the tram station to Mulsanne at 10pm, and then another hour to queue to get onto a bus back to the circuit at 1am, and that's with a constant queue of buses - we did plan to continue to Arnage from Mulsanne but in the hour we queued there wasn't a single bus for that route that turned up, the first one rolled up as our bus was setting off.
So many people camping out at every corner in folding chairs, there's barely any space to watch from as a wandering pedestrian.
Also, the shuttle bus system has been massively improved, but it still took an hour to queue to get from the tram station to Mulsanne at 10pm, and then another hour to queue to get onto a bus back to the circuit at 1am, and that's with a constant queue of buses - we did plan to continue to Arnage from Mulsanne but in the hour we queued there wasn't a single bus for that route that turned up, the first one rolled up as our bus was setting off.
CLK-GTR said:
Probably controversial but I've never seen what the LMP2s add. They appeared to mostly get in the way of the Hypercars which either needed speeding up or the P2s needed slowing down. With Ford, McLaren, Genesis and probably Mercedes coming I don't think they'll be missed.
(IMHO)They provide the essence of Le Mans. As Jacky Ickx said in front of a very uncomfortable Pierre Fillon a few years ago, "Le Mans must never forget that it is first and foremost about the privateers".
They are now seen as the uncomfortable category but they provide an awful lot of money to allow the others to race. Take away the P2s and suddenly you've lost a great percentage of the Gentleman drivers who pump the money in and remember that there are more ACO Series running P2s that Hypercars, they need a place at the Big Show.
With regards to their speed, previously the P2s were lapping faster than the current Hypercars, but obviously speeds do need to be restrained across the board (if everyone across the entire field is slowed by 20%, does the overall racing suffer?) both for financial and safety reasons. The skill of winning multi-class endurance is dealing with the slow traffic, planning the overtakes, anticipating the skill of the driver and their likely actions. All part of the ebb and flow of the race.
Long live LMP2. It's where the characters live.
Edited by Red Firecracker on Tuesday 17th June 11:08
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