Mat Fernandez has been doing a little (metaphorical) digging around the current and proposed future works around the Circuit de la Sarthe and has come up with the following nuggets:
A meeting on 19 November of the Syndicat Mixte des 24h du Mans (the public organisation in charge of managing large investments for the track) took several decisions related to projects and investments for 2015.
Approved were:
‘Protection of inhabitants on the track’ (fences), especially in the Indianapolis area: (€50K)
Public Access Improvements and new Washrooms (€298K with a further €350K planned for 2016, 2017 and 2018)
Drainage improvements (€100K)
Safety improvement initiatives in the Porsche Curves – Generally in line with what was agreed in February 2013 with the Le Mans Strategic Committee in liaison with the FIA: For 2015, works will involve focus on safety of the first corner close to the bridge including the introduction of a protective gravel trap, and of the concrete wall (scene of Loic Duval’s huge accident this year) though it is unclear whether that protection would involve tyre stacks of another method. Additional measures to improve visibility in the corner are also planned though there is no intention to change the track itself.(€600K).
Arnage corner: Land in that area has now been purchased work will now be undertaken in 2015 and 2016 to provide a new alignment for the public road (effectively a continuation of the straight road on the run down to Indianapolis) , leaving the short section at Indianapolis and Arnage as dedicated race track in 2015 and 2016. (€1 Million)
Resurfacing of the track from the Museum braking area to the end of Dunlop chicane. (€120K)
With regards to the already known 2014 works. The Corvette gravel trap is confirmed and complete and the shoulder reinforcement works (extension of the tarmac towards the armco) on the run down from Mulsanne Corner to Indianapolis are confirmed as being in response to Mike Rockefeller’s huge accident there in 2012.
