Le Mans – White Lines (Kerbs) & Things
David Legangneux reports from the annual public meeting
to begin promoting the race - on the Tuesday evening before Le Mans
week.
We had an interesting
evening here in Le Mans. The main guests were Emanuele Pirro, Henri
Pescarolo, André de Cortanze, Michel Cosson and Daniel Poissenot.
Michel Ferté, Bastien Brière, Jean-René de
Fournoux and Patrick Bourdais were also present.
There were a lot of interesting
comments from the drivers - and the famous engineer - during the
discussion with the public.
Afterwards,
Daniel Poissenot explained the current ruling regarding the ‘white
lines’. The goal of the test day was to remind the drivers
of the rules. For the race, it will be forbidden to put two wheels
outside the kerbs. There will be a penalty, a simple
stop and go at first, if a driver commits an offence. Then the duration
of the stop and go will increase if it happens again, until exclusion.
Those senior drivers
who raised this matter on May 3 will be relieved - along with all
the others - that a sensible solution has been found for the race.
In other matters, TVR, Saleen & Spyker should carry the same
weight and restrictor penalties as they had at Sebring. There will
an inspection this week just in case...
And finally, regarding likely 2004 regulations: the transmission
will be considered as part of the chassis, and it can't be changed
during the race. So the Audi ‘quick change’ system will
be making its final appearance next week. Transmission repairs will
still be possible in case of damage, of course.
Right, Mr Kristensen,
you can now attack the kerbs at around 20.50 or 22.10 on Wednesday
and / or Thursday….a 3:33 (or better?) for pole...but please
leave the green posts where they are.

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