Pierre Fillon: “75 files for 62 invitations”

How many applications have you received for this 2020 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans ?

In total, we received 75 files for 62 possible invitations (see list of entrants here), some of which already reserved for certain competitors, because due to their results in 2019 at Le Mans, in the European Le Mans Series, in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, in IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship and Asian Le Mans Series 2019-2020. The selection committee carefully studied all these applications to select 62 and 10 reservists.

Can you give us more details on these 75 files?

These 75 files confirm the attractiveness of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It should be noted that this attractiveness concerns all categories: the 4, LMP1, LMP2, LMGTE Pro, LMGTE Am, are in high demand and appeal to both official manufacturer programs and private teams. We are going to attend the first 24 Hours of the Corvette C8-R, we have several 100% crews féminins. And finally, we are delighted to renew the entry of an innovative car, on stand 56, with an LMP2 prototype driven by a trio of drivers with disabilities, under the responsibility of Frédéric Sausset.

As in 2019, 62 garages will therefore be available for 62 competitors. Is this now a rule?

Following the quality and diversity of the applications, we decided last year to do as much as possible in terms of organization and reception, to accept more competitors. The ACO teams have accomplished remarkable work in just a few weeks to provide two temporary stands of the same standard as the 60 others. The experience was so successful that these two temporary stands will be reinstalled in 2020.

In the future, the work carried out for the centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans will make it possible to have stands, with different services and facilities offered to the teams.

This 2020 edition will mark the end of a cycle, that of hybrid LMP1s. These cars marked an important milestone in endurance?

I must admit that I will surely feel a little nostalgia on Sunday June 14, 2020, after 16 p.m. Indeed, this will be the last edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with hybrid LMP1s. These prototypes, as extraordinary as they are efficient, have contributed to the “democratization” of the hybrid, particularly on our roads.

En 2012, quand ces machines sont apparues en course, elles ont porté cette technologie à la connaissance des spectateurs. Elles ont démontré leurs performances, avec notamment le chrono record établi par Toyota, en qualification en 2017. Elles ont prouvé leur efficacité et efficience, avec une consommation réduite de plus de 40 % par rapport aux machines précédentes. Pour l’ACO et le WEC, ces prototypes hybrides incarnés par Audi, Porsche et Toyota ont écrit un chapitre crucial dans l’histoire de notre discipline. Ces autos ont contribué à un tournant majeur de notre sport, garantissant compétition et progrès, sport et développement durable.

Let's come back to June 13 and 14, 2020, what do you expect from this 88th edition?

On paper, when examining this official list of guests, we can see that the LMP1 category will be well-stocked, with 6 cars. Toyota, which would like to be able to keep the big trophy of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, after a 3rd success in a row, will find some opponents on its way. In LMP2, the enthusiasm is still as strong, with the presence of the 4 chassis: Oreca, Ligier, Dallara and Riley... and high-level drivers. In LMGTE Pro, we are delighted to welcome the new C8-R. With Porsche, Ferrari et Aston Martin, this category always ensures a thrilling competition.

At a time when motorsport must invent a future for itself, contribute to the future of the automobile, what options have been retained by the ACO and the 24 Hours of Le Mans?

Our commitment and responsibility are quite clear and can be stated in a few words: spectacle, safety, progress, sustainable development, reasonable budget and internationalization. These specifications may be of interest to both private teams and manufacturers. This list demonstrates this through the diversity of the teams’ profiles.

Your circuit is also evolving…

Our circuit is evolving to best accommodate our competitors and spectators. For the latter, they will be able to notice the change as soon as they enter the circuit, to the north, by the museum. A footbridge will allow them to follow the track from now on to the Dunlop, without getting mixed up with the flow of cars. This footbridge, which will bear the name of Don Panoz, is dear to us, it testifies to the close collaboration that existed with Don Panoz and the ACO on theEndurance. The ACO has always maintained strong ties with our cousins ​​in America. This is still relevant today, as demonstrated by the convergence with IMSA.

Is 2020 a year full of birthdays too?

Effectively. These anniversaries reflect the variety of our competitors, the challenges led by manufacturers; Thus we will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Porsche's first victory, in 1970, but also the 40th anniversary of the first and only success of a Le Mans manufacturer driver, Rondeau, or the 20th anniversary of Audi's first victory, in 2000. Porsche, Rondeau, Audi, these cars and teams with such different profiles and track records show the interest that the 24 Hours represent for the automotive world. Today, Toyota, the world's 2nd manufacturer, will fight for a 3rd success in a row at Le Mans in order to keep the coveted big trophy while at the same time Ferrari, Porsche, Aston Martin and Corvette will compete in the LM GTE category.