- What purpose does Test Day serve?
The 60 competitors participating in the 86th edition of the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans will have the opportunity to test out their cars and familiarize themselves with the unique circuit. The teams are able to set up and remain at the circuit since as events follow one another quickly thereafter: Scrutineering (10-11 June), official sessions (13-14 June) and the race (16-17 June).
- Who takes part in Test Day?
This free practice day is mandatory for all 60 competitors (teams and cars) entered in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and any driver debuting at the race or not on the list of confirmed drivers since 2013.
Also, in compliance with the regulations, any driver who has never done the race, or who has not competed in the race for at least five years (all editions since 2013) or Bronze drivers who did not participate in the 2017 24 Hours are required to complete simulator training approved by the Automobile Club de l'Ouest. They must also cover a minimum of 10 laps during Test Day, including a minimum of five timed. The ACO reserves the right to eliminate any driver whose performance or competency is considered below standards.
Teams are able to bring on other drivers for Test Day, limited to five per driver line-up.
- Which cars will take the track?
- The cars authorized to participate are as follows:
- The two prototype classes competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMP1 and LMP2); the two LMGTE classes competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans (LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am), those invited to the 2018 edition according to the terms of the Supplementary Regulations of the 24 Hours of Le Mans;
- Any car uninvited to the 2018 edition but considered experimental in the context of the race or the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) but none is entered this year;
- Innovative cars, two maximum (none this year).
- What regulations are in effect?
The Sporting as well as Safety regulations for the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans and the World Endurance Championship (FIA WEC) 2018-2019 season are in effect (with certain exclusions) for all cars participating in Test Day 2018.
- Where is Test Day held?
Test Day takes place at the 13.626 km circuit utilized for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Regular roads used for the race will be closed to traffic very early morning 3 June and reopened shortly after 6:00 p.m. when the sessions end.
- Schedule
Administrative and technical checks will kick off on Thursday 31 May at the circuit.
Technical checks:
- Thursday 31 May: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Friday 1 June: 9:00 a.m.to 6:00 p.m.
Administrative checks:
- Friday 1 June: 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday 2 June: 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Pitwalk:
Saturday 2 June: 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Track time will take place Sunday 3 June from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.
All times are local.
- How to attend Test Day
Test Day is open to the public to anyone with a General Enclosure pass to the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, but if you do not have one and wish to attend Test Day, you can purchase a Test Day pass for 21€ or a Test Day Paddock pass for 100 € solely at ticket desks located at the circuit. Access to the car park/Houe reception area is available for 15 €. Admission is free for anyone born after 3 June 2002 accompanied by an adult ticket-holder.
The circuit will be open to spectators starting Friday 1 June. Fans can access pit lane and the grandstands while teams are busy with their final preparations.