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On the 9th, 10th and 11th July,Louis Vuitton, car lovers had a rendez vous on the Le Mans circuit for the fifth edition of Le Mans Classic. Almost 100 000 spectators gathered to enjoy three days of ongoing action. As the Main Partner of the event from the beginning, Richard Mille was present to share his love of motor racing. To celebrate the 24 heures du Mans race, Richard Mille took the opportunity of this fifth edition to present the RM 010 Le Mans Classic limited edition, with a 24 hours dial placed at 2 o’clock.
Drivers and spectators, increasing with every edition, had been waiting for this new gathering since two years. From Friday 9th July, the Le Mans 24 Hours Circuit, with its 13 kilometres of history and passion, was vibrating with the sound of vintage cars, wearing, for this occasion, Richard Mille’s colours.
468 cars of all models having participated in the 24 Hours between 1923 and 1979; almost 1000 drivers from 35 various nationalities... the cream of historical motor racing was present. Pre-war “factory” Bugatti and Talbot, Jaguar “E2A” prototype, Porsche 917... rarities raced alongside legendary racing cars in 6 groups, divided according to the age of the cars. All displayed Richard Mille’s logo and a picture of the RM 011 chronograph on their scrutineering stickers.
More than 40 former drivers of the 24 Hours were present, among them Henri Pescarolo and Richard Attwood, driving his vintage Porsche 917. Once again, the competition was stunning: Le Mans type departure, elegant battles on the track and animated pit stops. In the end, team 21 led the race, with Ludovic Caron in groups 3, 4 and 6, Bernard Thuner in groups 5 (first in scratch), Nicolas and Henri Chambon in group 2 and at last François Cointreau and Frédéric Novo in group 1. Overall winner, including all groups, was Jean-Marc Luco and his Porsche 936 who repeated his victory of 2008 with the same car.
As in 2008, children -more than 80 this year- could enjoy a ride on the track thanks to the event of the Little Big Mans parade. Their departure, at an angle like the adults, was hailed by a thunderous applause.
Enjoyment could be encountered on the track but also inside the circuit thanks to various animations organized during the week-end. A unique panorama on XXth century car production, the Espace Clubs housed more than 8000 cars from all over Europe. This year, the Clubs competition – the subject of which was “Car and Cinema” – rewarded the exhibition of the French TVR Car Club depicting the movie Swordfish. As to the Prix des Clubs, it was won by the Lagonda Owners Club.
Concerning the ex-Le Mans chassis, gathered in Le Mans Heritage Club, the Adler Super Trumpf from 1937 won the Grand Prix of the Best of Show and the prize of its group, while the Ferrari 312 P won the Design prize. The prize of list of achievements was given to Olivier Leclere’s Rondeau M379. Regarding the Authenticity prize, it was awarded to the Aston Martin DB2 (VMS 64). The Citroën Concept Cars then escorted the 24 cars on the circuit for a lap of honour, preceded by a world preview: the first outing of the Survolt, a new concept of electrical car from the French manufacturer.
The spectators could also appreciate the Village and discover Richard Mille watches in the specific boutique created by the brand.
The number of Le Mans Classic spectators has increased some twenty percent this year. Everyone is now waiting for the next edition. And, Richard Mille has set the clock forward in preparation for Le Mans Classic 2012.