Le Mans start
08/01/2014
Only rarely do you get the opportunity to watch a Le Mans start up close. The individual phases are shown in a sequence of eight photographs. After the starting signal, the drivers race around the track. It is said that there have also been people who have taken a leisurely stroll, but you shouldn't go too slowly, otherwise you will be run over by the first cars to set off.
Depending on the car, you have to get into the car either over or through the door. When cars were mostly closed in the 1960s, this procedure was much more complicated. With a Maserati 300 S, however, this is usually no problem.
Once you have found your footing in the seat, the engine is started. Of course, it is still warm from the introductory lap and will hopefully start at the push of a button.
But this is high-caliber racing technology, so sensitivity is required at the throttle.
Some of the competitors have already set off. So the cautious driver first looks to the left before engaging first gear and dashing out of the starting position.
In principle, the driver is of course responsible for the vehicles in front of him and must therefore ensure that he does not crash into any cars that are starting. With 50 cars racing off, this can make for a real mess.
However, accidents are very rare at Le Mans starts nowadays, as these demonstrations are just for show. After a lap, the racing cars return to the start, fasten their seatbelts correctly and restart in their original starting position, usually on the move. So much safety is a must ...
