Le Mans 24 Hours – What goes on at scrutineering
Called Scrutineering and Administrative checks, the ‘Pésage’ (literally weigh-in) has retained its traditional name for the Le Mans 24 Hours. During the two days the twelve or so scrutineers do much more than just weigh the cars.
Scrutineering is divided up into three control posts.
First of all, the car is pushed onto a horizontal platform equipped with lasers to measure its main dimensions (width, length, overhangs, wheelbase, wing height, sideplates, dimensions of the holes above the wings) and also scales for weighing.
When the car goes through the second control it is placed on a ramp so that the officials can check the underneath (dimensions of the front and rear diffusers, dimensions and shape of the plank that guarantees the minimum ground clearance and better stability during spins, etc).
At the last control post the bodywork is partially removed to inspect the safety equipment (extinguishers, belts, circuit breakers) the fuel tank, the engine oil fumes recuperation tank. This is also where the correct positions of stickers are checked, and the time keepers check the transponder as well as the lights indicating the position of the car per category and the relevant elements. The data acquisition system in each car is also scrupulously examined.
In total, scrutineering each car takes around fifty minutes.
In the meantime, the drivers (in their driving suits) go through admin. checks where their licenses, helmets, driving suits and all their equipment, which must comply with the FIA standards, are checked. They are also weighed to subtract their weight from that of the car during the checks carried out in qualifying practice. They then take part in various communications operations (individual photos, photos of the team with the cars, press interviews, etc) and they meet the general public when taking part in the eagerly-awaited autograph session.
This year scrutineering is being held on the Place de la République, and it will take place in a more chummy ambiance than usual in the middle of a mini-village with different stalls not far from the terraces of the cafes dotted around the square. In addition, a nearby tramway stop should make it easier for the spectators to come and go as they please.
Like the two previous years scrutineering, which takes place on Sunday and Monday, launches the big Le Mans 24-Hours week. It will begin on Sunday 10th June at 14h30 to 19h00 and continue on Monday between 10h00 and 18h00.
On Sunday it will start with the passage of the no. 45 Boutsen Ginion Racing Oreca 03-Nissan. The main attractions on Sunday will be the Pescarolo Team, Audi, Larbre Competition and Oak Racing. On Monday the day will begin with the no. 55 JWA Avila Porsche 911 RSR (997) and will end with the two Toyota TS030 Hybrids.
New – Organized visits
An innovation! The scrutineering enclosure is open to the general public with guided visits in groups of ten people. They are free for members of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest and will cost non-members 10 euros. Access tickets for these visits are on sale at the Point Info opposite the Chamber of Commerce and Industry building.
You can also join the Automobile Club de l’Ouest at the ACO counter beside the Point Info.
To download the passage times at scrutineering: click here