04 Nov 2010 Le Mans cars on track!

 

Tension is mounting in the paddock of Zhuhai International Circuit. The official practice for the first Endurance race in China will begin tomorrow, and the sound of engines can already be heard in the grandstands.

"My only experience of Zhuhai is a video game!" said Stéphane Sarrazin, who like almost all competitors will be learning the track today. For the the many drivers to whom the circuit is new, two practice sessions are held on Thursday. The study of maps and watching videos has allowed engineers to apply basic settings, but some parameters, such as adhesion of the track surface, are difficult to understand without running real laps.

While the drivers rest, scrutineers of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest are busy inspecting each vehicle. This takes substantial human and material resources with no fewer than eighteen 40ft containers that were shipped from Europe.

For their part, local promoters are preparing to accommodate the large crowd. "There will be support races, an autograph session, a car show, live entertainment and giant screen" confirmed Remy Brouard. The Director General of the ACO, congratulating our Chinese partners,ZIC and S2M, "to make this race a great event and a success."

Ranking the first practice session HERE

Ranking the second practice session HERE

Photos of testing HERE

The start of the 1000 km of Zhuhai will be on Sunday at 4 am (UK time).

Photo: ZHUHAI (China), 1 000 KM OF ZHUHAI, 4th NOVEMBER 2010. The two Peugeot 908 HDi FAP make their way into the mist.

Julien Hergault - Translated by Dave Davies