Le Mans 2010 preview

Le Mans isn't just a motor race, it's an all-out event - and here Audi's Allan McNish previews the big race, plus we've compiled a list of must-dos for all race goers.

Don't forget to use the forum section to let us know what we've missed out.

Alternatively, watch Allan McNish's Le Mans preview here

Autocar's top tips:

It’s a Le Mans with a Le Mans start – so enjoy it

For many years Le Mans has started without a Le Mans start – as in the ‘run across the track to your car, start it and drive off’ affair that caught so many people’s imagination all those years ago. This year the cars will be lined up in herringbone formation across the track from all 168 drivers taking part. The lead driver will then run to the car… but won’t start it, as the event proper will still begin with the cars rolling. It’s a nice bit of drama, though.

Don’t miss the start

Apparently there’s a football tournament starting this weekend, so the start of the race has been moved forward to 3pm in order to avoid any clashes of interest.

Visit as the pit straight at night

One of the greatest joys of a 24-hour race is watching the cars after dark. The pit straight is a great place to have a seat and catch up with the running order, enjoy seeing the cars lit up and at full tilt, whilst also taking in the various dramas that are guaranteed to be unfolding in the garages.

Talk about the Mansells

Go on, every other English-speaking person will give at least a cursory glance to Our Nige’s entry in a Ginetta with sons Leo and Greg, so you might as well too. They won’t win their class, and given Nigel’s propensity for drama it’s hard to believe he’ll stay out of trouble for the whole race, but it’s still a story that’s hard to ignore.

Visit the museum

It’s not a must-see collection of cars, but it is very fine. If you’ve never been, go. If you haven’t been for a couple of years, go again.

Go to the funfair

After all, there aren’t many places you can watch a motor race from a big wheel.