And the rain makes its appearance on Le Mans. It is 18:30 p.m., the forecasts of Météo France are verified, a little late certainly, but the official service was not mistaken. The asphalt has become a real ice rink where only the most virtuosos manage to go straight. Without suitable tires, road exits and collisions follow one another. Meanwhile, the No. 94 Peugeot of American Gustavo Menezes slipped into the first provisional place ahead between the two Ferraris.
A few hundred meters away, the sun is shining through the clouds to flood the grandstand that dominates the starting line in front of the pits. Filled since mid-morning, it began to empty a little more than an hour after departure. "It's snack time!" laughs Sandra who made the trip from Finistère. In front, his companion tries to sneak towards the Village where refreshments and food sellers are linked.
Thank you Le Mans 🇫🇷 🙏🏾🫡👑 https://t.co/MJUdMq9vcQ
— LeBron James (@KingJames) June 10, 2023
Under scorching heat, the terraces are stormed. It smells like French fries and merguez. "We have already been amazed, marvel Henri and his wife Liliane, true enthusiasts with the Ferrari cap screwed on their heads. With our passes, we were able to go on the track to see the cars before the start. I even saw Kad Merad from afar. Well, it's true, there are a few people, but it's worth it. Nearly ten thousand privileged people shared with what is called the "Gridwalk".
If they had known that Charles Leclerc was a few meters away, the couple from the Bordeaux region would undoubtedly have tried to make their way through the crowd. Highly applauded on the starting grid, the Scuderia driver came to support the AF Corse team, which had succeeded in installing its two cars on the front row with authority for the return to Le Mans. "It's exceptional, it's the first time I've come here," said the Monegasque. Le Mans is a race I've always watched, it's always made me dream. Why not one day... ».
Lol Charles Leclerc accompanied by his T-Rex bodyguard 🦖 chatting with his Royal highness prince Abdulaziz the Saudi sport minister #LeMans24
pic.twitter.com/bGlfWxbpUA
— ahmed baokbah 🇸🇦🏎✈️ (@ahmed_baokbah) June 10, 2023
At 15:57, there was not a single free seat in the grandstand overlooking the stands. The more adventurous are climbed on the huge pillars with two floors of void in the back. The older ones stand on tiptoe to try to see the cars that have gone full at the bottom of the straight. Amber, 6 years old, with a ros helmet on her ears, has it all figured out. Perched on the shoulders of Loïc, her dad fan of Steve McQueen, she laughs and does not hear the din of the engines.
Read also24 Hours of Le Mans: why is it the centenary edition but not the 100th?
It is 20:30 pm and an impression of slowness invades the site. Many spectators left, by train or car. It is easier to circulate, no more trampling. The humidity is still heavy outside. Fabienne heads with her friends to the Stage where Mika will soon do her singing tour: "We like cars that go fast but we also came a little for the music! It contributes to the party... Soon, night will set in and only the engines will continue to run. A unique impression. Tomorrow, we leave for a few hours. Fatigue in addition.
