The Spa-Francorchamps 24 Hours is officially underway. Following the technical and sporting scrutineering on Tuesday, the Wednesday saw the traditional parade with the over 60 participants thundering through the streets of Francorchamps and arriving in the centre of Spa. In front of one of the most beautiful thermal spas in Europe, the drivers met thousands of fans who had gathered to give warm welcome to the protagonists of the 2016 edition of the marathon of reference for the world’s most famous GT cars. On Thursday the engines will be officially started for free practice, pre-qualifying and the qualifying session. In contrast the other races, the regulations provide for a night session. Only the fastest cars will access the Super Pole session on the Friday that will establish the grid positions for the race on Saturday. Along with the two official cars, McLaren GT will also be running a third 650S for Bruno Senna, nephew of the unforgettable Ayrton, alonsgide Pipo Derani and Duncan Tappy.
Alex Fontana
“Driving a racing car along the streets we usually use to reach the circuit was a real thrill. The crowds were incredible, thousands of people who hung out for hours with the drivers for a photo, to ask for an autograph pre-emption right just to wish us good luck for the race. Along with the picturesque setting in the Casinò square in the middle of Spa, as there were almost 200 drivers attending the briefing in the town’s theatre, it really was a truly unusual and suggestive occasion.”