Le Mans Test Day 2008
Discussion
We went to the test weekend last year and thoroughly enjoyed it.
It is a bit wierd driving down without lots of brits and nice cars to look at, but it is worth it.
There is camping available on Bleu/White parking, although there are absolutely no facilities (not even loos). It is possible to get a room only hotel near the circuit if you want luxury. On the Sunday morning you may wake up with cars parked around your campsite. We found it best to pay the €10 for the circuit parking (a secure place to park and keep your gear). You can buy these from the ACO at the Rotunde near Expo.
On Saturday afternoon we wandered down the pit lane and paddocks, speaking to some of the mechanics and team officials. Who were more relaxed than the days leading up to the race.
Later on we rocked up to Bleu and pitched our tent, had a barbie and polished of a few cold beers (heavy duty cold box). There is a good atmosphere on Saturday evening with a smattering of Brits and lots of French in camper vans.
On the Sunday morning, we packed up camp after breakfast with cars parking around us, then drove back to the in circuit parking. At the top end of the village there are good clean loos and showers/wet rooms. The ideal way to freshen up before taking in a days testing. There is no Radio Le Mans and only snippets of English commentary, but the cars and photo opportunities are still excelent.
As you would expect the crowds are only a fraction of the size, but with Peugeot's and other french team's involvement with the 24hrs the test day is becoming more popular with the french.
Testing finishes at Six and then you have about four hours to blast it back for the return crossing. Eurotunnel have a crossing around 10ish then the next one is about half one. We didn't think we could make it back in time so went for the 23:00 ferry instead.
All in all a good build up to the main event and I will definately be going back in 2008.
It is a bit wierd driving down without lots of brits and nice cars to look at, but it is worth it.
There is camping available on Bleu/White parking, although there are absolutely no facilities (not even loos). It is possible to get a room only hotel near the circuit if you want luxury. On the Sunday morning you may wake up with cars parked around your campsite. We found it best to pay the €10 for the circuit parking (a secure place to park and keep your gear). You can buy these from the ACO at the Rotunde near Expo.
On Saturday afternoon we wandered down the pit lane and paddocks, speaking to some of the mechanics and team officials. Who were more relaxed than the days leading up to the race.
Later on we rocked up to Bleu and pitched our tent, had a barbie and polished of a few cold beers (heavy duty cold box). There is a good atmosphere on Saturday evening with a smattering of Brits and lots of French in camper vans.
On the Sunday morning, we packed up camp after breakfast with cars parking around us, then drove back to the in circuit parking. At the top end of the village there are good clean loos and showers/wet rooms. The ideal way to freshen up before taking in a days testing. There is no Radio Le Mans and only snippets of English commentary, but the cars and photo opportunities are still excelent.
As you would expect the crowds are only a fraction of the size, but with Peugeot's and other french team's involvement with the 24hrs the test day is becoming more popular with the french.
Testing finishes at Six and then you have about four hours to blast it back for the return crossing. Eurotunnel have a crossing around 10ish then the next one is about half one. We didn't think we could make it back in time so went for the 23:00 ferry instead.
All in all a good build up to the main event and I will definately be going back in 2008.
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