Le Mans Simulator Training: an insiders’ view

Racing drivers are renowned for their superstitions and will rarely go about their preparations in the same way. But, for drivers preparing for their first experience of the Le Mans 24 Hours, there is one experience that they all share.

Photo:  Porsche Team's Mark Webber doing his simulator training in 2014

Since 2014, all rookies are required by the ACO to attend an intensive simulator day at AOTech on the outskirts of Paris, where they are put through their paces in a variety of situations they will face during the race.  This invitation is also extended to drivers who have not contested the race for over five years, to refresh their memories on the positioning of marshal posts, safety procedures and night driving.

As Gulf Racing rookie Ben Barker explains, the AOTech course is geared more towards race simulation than honing driving technique, ensuring that it has relevance for drivers of all experience levels.

“It was almost a kind of hazard perception test; they want to see that you’re in control and that you’re a capable enough driver not to be a danger to others on track,” says Barker. “They put out the yellow flags, Full Course Yellow, slow zones, and you have to talk to them and communicate when you see these things.

"The format is completely different to normal simulator ‘training’; they weren’t teaching you lines or anything like that, but I understand the concept and think it’s definitely worth doing.”

This year’s rookies come from a full spectrum of backgrounds, from four-time IndyCar champions to young guns taking their first steps in professional motorsport.  Indeed, whilst Ford Chip Ganassi Team USA driver Scott Dixon may be one of the biggest names to take the plunge in recent years, Dixon will find himself on a level playing field with 22-year-old Manor LMP2 driver Matt Rao in the unfamiliar environment of La Sarthe.

“The simulator day was a very useful tool to get myself ready for the biggest race in the world.  Le Mans as a track has many challenges and is daunting enough when you drive on your own, so the inclusion of traffic, safety procedures and changing conditions helps you understand what you might have to contend with in the race,” Rao said. “Of course no simulation can replicate the real thing, so having done two WEC races I already knew most of the procedures, but Le Mans has its own quirks and, as such, practicing them in the sim was invaluable.”

Le Mans is one of the few events missing from Aston Martin factory driver Jonny Adam’s CV, and the 31-year-old Scot found his day at AOTech only heightened his anticipation for his 24 Hours’ debut.

“It was very productive, it definitely highlights what areas to concentrate on with the rules and regulations,” said Adam. “They put you through all different simulations from wet to night running, all the circumstances Le Mans can throw at you. It was definitely a good experience for me, so I can’t see why it wouldn’t be good for anyone else.”

The official test day, at which all drivers must complete a minimum of 10 laps, takes place on Sunday 5th June.

James Newbold