Single-seaters at Le Mans

[Jager]

It was always my understanding that Le Mans cars had to theoretically be two seaters. For open cockpit cars that meant there had to at least be space in theory for a second seat, which dates back to the days of riding mechanics. These rules have remained largely unchanged since the commencement of the race.

I was therefore wondering how WR got around those rule at Le Mans from 1993 to 1996 with their single seat LM93, the only possible explanation being that as a French team they were exempt from the normal rules that the ACO applied to all other nationalities !

I haven't of the top of my head found any other cars in the history of Le Mans, classic or modern, that had an F1 style single seat appearance. Were there others ?

[Lazy B'stard]

I'd have thought that the new Peugoet would be a tight squeeze for two as well.

[Leftie]

There is only one way to ensure that the rules are not flaunted and that is to regulate that a 'passenger' is within the vehicle during the race.  The pug' obviously had the theoretical passenger horizontal and asleep!!!

Scenario is, Driver on duty becomes the passenger/mechanic on next change. Afterall, he should be able be able to get a 40 winks as he won't be doing anything.

Mind you, when my wife drives, to get any shuteye I need to be bladdred or EXTREMELY exhausted!!!!!

I would be quite happy to sign up as a passenger, in fact I'd pay for priverledge.

Comments anyone?

Jerry

[Rhino]

I always recall an article in the early 80's when the writer had a lap clinging to the roll cage in a 956. Imagine the publicity they could get by running a session with journalists alongside for a couple of laps. I know modern LMP 1 cars are too small, so make the 2010 ones bigger. Increases drag as well so they could give them more power

[mgmark]

In their quest to find a way of handicapping and restricting prototypes, at one point in the 50s or 60s, the ACO seriously considered using the engine size to dictate the number fo genuine person caryying seats in the car, so a single seater would have been restricted to 1000cc, a 2-seater to 2000cc etc.  Which would have made the Ford GT40 MkIIs whopping 7-seater limos......

MG Mark