The famous French Paradox suggests that French people have a relatively low incidence of coronary heart disease (CHD) despite having a diet relatively rich in saturated fats, in apparent contradiction to the widely considered belief that the high consumption of such fats is a risk factor for CHD. It may be not a proper indication to underline the greatness and madness happening at the same time at Le Mans 24 Hours. But it indeed was the complicated feeling I left with from the latest visit to La Sarthe.
It was my second year in a row to go to Le Mans; the most prestigious endurance motor-sport race and the pyramid of endurance racing which witnessed Porsche raise its record tally to 17 victories – and a first since 1998.
rom a motor-sport journalist’s point of view, Le Mans is absolutely the race you need to report from on site; because you would neither feel how scary it is nor be aware of how the weekend unfolds by merely watching cars flatting-out on Mulsanne Straight at more than 300km/h on television.
Therefore, you really need to go down the straight to watch cars brake before the chicane; to listen to the noise, to close your eyes to differ the hybrid powered LMP1 cars from others, to see the amazing sky changing from darkness to dawn – and - most importantly, experience the physical and mental challenge required for 24 hours… Correction, more than 30 hours if you have a deadline working for daily newspaper or websites.
Furthermore, for a rookie journalist travelling to La Sarthe, you should witness the drivers’ parade on Friday afternoon - but make sure you are accredited the specific pass that allows you enter the loop. The traditional event takes place in downtown of Le Mans, where drivers themselves are full of praise for this unique and joyful occasion; having a ride on top of vintage cars, giving away postcards or gifts. The drivers love it as much as the fans do, which usually leads to drivers jumping out the cars to give autographs or selfies to the crazy spectators before chasing the still mobile open-tops to repeat the process again.
Image: Frankie Mao