Le Mans advice for best locations

[Richard Brewer]

Hi All,
I've just found out I'm off to LeMans this weekend as a corporate guest. I don't want to over indulge in food and drink but would rather be out taking pictures. Unlikely I'll get a trackside pass (working on that!) so has anybody got any tips for best locations from public areas.
Many thanks.

[restyles]

Lucky devil Richard !! I have not shot at Le Mans since the late 90's so things will be very different. Your choices will be very limited without accreditation but I guess the chicane after the start and finish is the obvious first choice. Also there used to be a nice angle on the outside between the esses and Tetre Rouge but that may well be ruined by mile high catch fencing by now. The inside of Tetre Rouge was good for pans but again may no longer be usable due to fencing. Mulsanne corner was OK for a three quarter head-on from the spectator banking. There used to be a back shot at Arnage so try to get out there at some point. You will need a car to get there though. Whatever locations you chose you will no doubt need plenty of focal length. If you have accreditation the world is your oyster. Good luck and enjoy yourself.

[Lowner]

Too late for this year, but may be of some interest for future events:

I've seen wonderful shots taken at or near dusk of the cars with headlights on coming over the slight rise just before Arnage, with the forest behind them. I prefer the ones I've seen with a little colour still in the sky and in the car itself, so probably earlier rather than dusk proper.

I have none like this myself, so at some point before I keel over it must be done! It also used to have a little grandstand in exactly the right position high enough to see over the safety fencing.