24h Le Mans
Le Mans, Ignite your senses | Since 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans has been regarded as the ultimate test in endurance racing. Only 145 drivers and 25 brands have ever reached the top step on the podium. The race is regarded as the Everest of motorsport by fans and competitors alike. Every triumph recorded in the history of the French endurance classic tells the story of an extraordinary conquest, destined to be remembered for all time.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is so much more than just a race. It is a monumental challenge, where the taste of victory is rich and complex. For some, it’s the long-awaited redemption, a dream finally achieved after years of hard work and sacrifice. For others, it’s the joy of coming through a gruelling ordeal, with every lap a battle against time, mechanical issues and the ever-changing elements.
Yet, triumph can leave a more bittersweet aftertaste. 2013 was a poignant example of this. As Tom Kristensen secured a record-breaking ninth victory, the tragic loss of his compatriot Allan Simonsen cast a sombre shadow over the celebrations
Taking part in the 24 Hours of Le Mans means competing at the pinnacle of endurance racing, while confronting a challenge unlike any other. For many teams, simply crossing the finish line is considered a victory in itself. It’s a feeling that reflects the remarkable nature of the event, where the experience holds almost as much weight as the outcome. As the teams overcome technical, sporting and human challenges, the very essence of endurance is brought to the forefront.
In the last two years, Ferrari AF Corse has savoured two wins at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Kenji Concy, a mechanic for the Italian team assigned to the Ferrari 499P, enjoyed the even sweeter taste of triumph at the Centenary edition. He tells us what victory feels like.
For him, the feeling is above all “insatiable.” “Once you’ve won the race, you want to savour that taste of victory again. At the start of the race, you never know what to expect. But when you’re at the top of the leaderboard, the more the time goes by, the more you start to believe it can happen. Paradoxically, though, the doubts grow stronger because anything can happen, right up to the very last moment. It’s only when the chequered flag is lowered that you finally realise. That’s when the real taste of victory hits,” he says.
When asked what epitomises the taste of success, the mechanic quickly replies, “Champagne, though enjoyed in moderation!” But beyond the celebration, it’s the memory of the team effort that will stay with him. “Since the start of our campaign, we’ve come through a lot together. For six months, it was test after test. And before the tests, there was the entire assembly of the car. It was exhausting. I’ll always think back to the path that led to victory. It was filled with obstacles and sleepless nights."
Engaging our sight, sense of smell, touch, taste and hearing, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a powerful, multi-sensory experience. Victory, when it comes, is the culmination of a journey fraught with challenges. Yet it is this blend of perseverance, doubt and hope that gives it a flavour both distinctive and deeply cherished. At Le Mans, victory embodies the essence of teamwork, the sweet taste of accomplishment, and the lasting resonance of a dream fulfilled.
