So it was my first ever visit to Le Mans for the greatest motor racing even in the world. It's an event I've been wanting to attend since being a young boy, and for my impending 40th birthday Sarah booked a trip for us both. We drove down on the Wednesday, in torrential rain, not looking forward to being in a tent for five nights. However it brightened up just as we arrived at the camp site. (I've dropped a clanger with these images, leaving spot metering on all weekend. I've rescued them as best I can, but to say I'm disappointed in myself making such a basic mistake is an understatement )

Our campsite


The following morning we rode the tram in to Le Mans itself to see the town and buy supplies. Le Mans has a long history of pioneering aviation, and this monument stands to the many fallen aviatiors.


Behind it you can see the magnificent cathedral, in the middle of the picturesque old town.


Outside.


The rest of the town is much like any other town in France, with loads of non-chain shops, pedestrianised streets, and the new tram system which has a stop inside the circuit.


What you won't find in many other French cities though, are copies of the ceremonial casts made of past winners embedded in the pavements. (Apologies for the chewing gum. It's not mine.)


Or squares like this:


Back at camp we ate and then set out for the qualifying sessions.

On the way we passed through the village and bumped in to this happy chappy.


Audi had a race prepared R8 on show.


Michelin were doing a slightly comical demo of their low drag tyre, with cars rolling up and down ramps.


I'm not sure why I didn't take more shots in during qualifying. Perhaps because I was dead on my feet, and there's so much catch fencing in the way from the tribune seats.

Here are a couple of some pit action.

Driver change.


Tyre change.


Despite a quarter of a million people, you still find a calm spot occasionally.


Thanks for looking.

Outstanding! Looks like you had a lot of fun.