10-16 June 2006
Le Mans’ Best Friend
Preparations for the 2006 24 Hours of Le Mans begin in earnest this week. The official test and pre-qualifying has already happened and now it’s down to the real business of getting ready for the greatest race in the world. Motors TV has unprecedented access to the race and the build-up activity and begins its live coverage this week with scrutineering, as the drivers and cars are checked for conformity. Motors TV’s experts will be on hand to explain the technical aspects of the four types of cars and grab a quick word with the drivers.
The live coverage continues as the teams and drivers take to the circuit for the two night qualifying sessions, on Wednesday and Thursday. There are two sessions per evening, one as dusk falls and one when night has fully descended, giving the first hint of the magical nature of 200mph on the Mulsanne Straight in darkness.
The final part of this week’s build-up is live coverage of the world-famous driver parade, through the centre of the beautiful town of Le Mans itself. This is one of the highlights of the weekend, for drivers and fans alike, as the pilots wind their way through the streets in a variety of classic machinery.
2006 24 Hours of Le Mans
Scrutineering, Day 1
Monday 12 June 13.30 - LIVE
Scrutineering, Day 2
Tuesday 13 June 07.30 – LIVE
Tuesday 13 June 13.30 - LIVE
Qualifying, Day 1
Wednesday 14 June 18.00 – LIVE
Wednesday 14 June 20.30 - LIVE
Qualifying, Day 2
Thursday 15 June 18.00 – LIVE
Thursday 15 June 20.30 - LIVE
Drivers’ Parade
Friday 16 June 17.00 - LIVE
Don’t Get Crossed
Bike fans also get a shout of the action in the Le Mans build-up week, with a host of off-road racing thrills. First up are highlights of the second round of the AMA Motocross championship, from the High Point Raceway in Pennsylvania. Motors TV will be showing both the 125cc and the 250cc classes, back to back. The action stays on two wheels and off road for the second round of the New Zealand Motocross championship, from Rotorua on the north island. Finally, the second round of the Australian Supercross Masters comes from Perth, on the western coast. Again, Motors will be showing highlights of all four rounds.
2006 AMA Motocross, Round 2, High Point, 125cc and 250cc
Tuesday 13 June 19.00
2006 New Zealand Motocross, Round 2, Rotorua
Thursday 15 June 23.15
2006 Australian Supercross Masters, Round 2, Perth
Thursday 15 June 24.00
In Training…
As a counter to the frantic race action this week, Nick Lera’s World Steam Classics takes us on a more relaxed journey across Pakistan on the remaining engines from Queen Victoria’s British Raj. The journey ends at the deserted fortress atop the famous Khyber Pass, with stunning views of the Afghan plain waiting for the passengers – and the cameras.
World Steam Classics, Pakistan
Wednesday 14 June 23.15
