2007

Peugeot, set for a winning return?

The highlight of this 75th race was Peugeot's return to Le Mans for the first time since its victory in 1993. The Socha-based manufacturer is aligning two 908s which come equipped with a turbo diesel like the Audis. The confrontation got off to a good start for the French team as a Peugeot started off in first place but Rinaldo Capello took control of the race with the Audi no. 2 from after the first bend.

Audi no. 2 was leading the race with authority until the early morning of the following day. The left rear wheel of the car separated upon approaching the Indianapolis corner, and Rinaldo Capello, then at the wheel, was forced to retire. Only one German car remained in the race. 

The Audis of Pirro, Biela and Werner won for the second consecutive year, while the event ended in terrible conditions characterised by very heavy rain. The places of honour have been French since the podium was completed by a Peugeot and a Pescarolo.

Quebec driver Jacques Villeneuve, Formula 1 world champion in 1997, made his debut appearance at the Le Mans 24 Hours. He teamed up with Nicolas Minassian and Marc Gené in the Peugeot no. 7 and took second place less than two hours from the finish before retiring with engine failure.

Have you paid any attention to the facades of the two buildings above?

It's difficult not to notice the mansion at No. 37 with its balcony that stretches along the entire length of the facade and the male and female heads (mascarons) that decorate it.

The decor of no. 39 is nonetheless more modest but very interesting. There are a number of sculpted elements above the entrance door that provide information regarding the profession of the owner of the premises, including a painter's palette and a bellows camera. Paul Couturier (1846-1911) based his “A la photographie moderne” studio at his premises. The head at the top of the facade portrays a Greek deity. It is crowned with rays, and recalls the significance of light in photographic activity.