ello,
Here are some colourful impressions regarding my visits at Le Castellet between May and June 2016 (VdeV, GTOpen, Curbstone trackday), with a constant, fine weather, and two great surprises (see at the end of the article).
When I read the lessons learnt of some people at Le Mans, who complain more and more about :
- the barriers with double, triple or quadruples barbed wires,
- the security guard squadrons that shoot at sight,
- the so-called 'hospitalities' that override spectators areas,
- the astronomical prices of the slightest French fries portion,
I say to myself : here for sure the competition level is not the same (although a significant number of pilots was present at the 24 hours on 2016).
Of course, nothing equals the 24hrs of Le Mans in terms of intensity and fervour (I know it very well, as I attended some editions in the past)...
... But what a pleasure to enjoy the conviviality of this luxurious racetrack, under the sun and above the barriers !
he Ginetta G57, which performances are situated halfway between those of a LMP3 and a LMP2, fullfills no official regulation.
Designed for free practice and club sessions, it is however accepted in the VdeV championship with some restrictions (Balance of Performance).
This picture, processed in black and white, looks nice to me. It clubs together powerful shadows and subtle midtones 
.
he Viper GT3, like this coffee-colored one, are so rare on the European racetracks !
ignes is a critical curve, as proved by the arabesques of so many racers in distress...
he 'By Speed Factory' Ligier LMP3, viewed from above.
nd from beside.
he CN prototypes are not raving beauties, far from it,
but a photographer can cope with their unattractive design, if he carefully chooses the shooting angles...
r shoots them in pieces !
hese carbon chassis, manufactured by Ligier, Norma or Tatuus, are propelled with 2 liters engine (Honda or Peugeot).
Behind the wheel, we find a mix of gentlemen drivers, ambitious youngsters, and also much experienced pilots, who come here for pleasure or training :
Ferté, Da Rocha, Lafargue, Tinseau, Sausset (respect for what he did during the 2016 24 Hours !) or, like below, De Narda who monopolizes the podiums in French Carrera Cup.
he Renault RS01 is a real esthetic success, not only 'taking into account it is a Renault' but in absolute term.
ome work is going on, below this Huracán GT3. It is always less painful under the soft sun of a Spring day, in the spacious pits of Le Castellet...
ven if one has to dive into the entrails of the beast !
uel of Italian beauties.
ere is what a zebra looks like, when you're under the influence of heavy stuff !
hat ? Single seaters now ?
nd even go-karts... All the disciplines are welcome at Le Castellet !
o conclude, here are two icons of the 90's, caught 'undercover' in the pack of modern GTs during the Curbstone trackday session.
This Porsche 962 is the optimized version conceived by the Schuppan team, seen in the qualifications of Le Mans 1991 (chassis id 962-TS03C).
As it did not give satisfaction, for the race Schuppan reverted back to a more traditional chassis.
ast but not least... You don't dream, it is well the mythical Mercedes C291 !
Initialy, we were present during this trackday, hoping that the Murcielago GT1 of SRO race Center (located at Paul Ricard) would be participating.
While entering the circuit, we heard a fantastic symphony, and we said to ourselves: 'bingo !'.
Not at all, it was this truly exclusive Mercedes, launched in 1991 in the world sports cars championship (4 chassis produced), with Schumacher and Wendlinger at the controls.
The flat 12 cylinders roars exquisitely, even without riding it excessively hard... Mamma mia !
ell, good bye, and see you soon for a next event !