Since I was lucky enough to stay at a hotel in the little town of Changé (15 minutes from Le Mans), I expected an easy return to the track after a good night's sleep. Wow, another huge mistake!
With over 250,000 fans on hand, getting back in the middle of the action proved to be a nightmare; every little access road was jam-packed. It took me more than 90 minutes to drive all the way to the parking lot and then walking to the press box... only to learn that Jacques' day was over.
From that point on, I decided to scratch my initial plans and to go have some fun covering the rest of the event in the pit lane and near the track. I managed to reach the famous Dunlop bridge where I hoped I could take great pictures. Unfortunately, rainy clouds darkened the sky and it kept pouring for a long period of time.
Congratulations to drivers and their teams
Now that I'm back on home soil, I can safely tell you that this was by far the most surprising and most demanding race I have ever attended in my 30-year career. Kudos to everyone involved! Now, I know how tough a challenge the 24 Hours of Le Mans really are for man and machine.
Jacques wants more
''You have to give it all to fully appreciate this experience. I loved every minute of it, said Villeneuve afterwards. The car was much more competitive during my last stage and I had a ton of fun. Actually, my first time behind the wheel was the worst: I couldn't see a thing because of the setting sun. Obviously, I would love to come back next year. I know that the car will perform even better.''
So long, Jacques. Maybe next year...
Thanks to Peugeot Média and especially Jean-Claude Lefebvre for their generous collaboration with Flagworld.
Of course, just like Jacques, I would be excited to give it another try... now that I know some of the pitfalls to avoid. Hopefully, my boss will agree to ship me again overseas...
Click the following links to view our pictures of the 24 Hours of Le Mans:
Villeneuve
Audi defends its title
The Audi-Peugeot duel
Audi starts off strong
With over 250,000 fans on hand, getting back in the middle of the action proved to be a nightmare; every little access road was jam-packed. It took me more than 90 minutes to drive all the way to the parking lot and then walking to the press box... only to learn that Jacques' day was over.
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| Peugeot's number 8 car finished second. |
Congratulations to drivers and their teams
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| A nice family picture before the start. |
Jacques wants more
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| Jacques will be back... if he's invited. |
So long, Jacques. Maybe next year...
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| An impressive podium ceremony. |
Of course, just like Jacques, I would be excited to give it another try... now that I know some of the pitfalls to avoid. Hopefully, my boss will agree to ship me again overseas...
Click the following links to view our pictures of the 24 Hours of Le Mans:
Villeneuve
Audi defends its title
The Audi-Peugeot duel
Audi starts off strong