Lin Hodenius told Motorsport Week about his impressions of the renowned night-time on his 24 Hours of Le Mans event debut with Iron Lynx.
The FIA World Endurance Championship season debutant was greatly impressed by the challenges of night-time driving at the primarily unlit Circuit de la Sarthe.
“I’ve done night driving before, but those were on fully lit tracks,” said the #61 Mercedes-AMG LMGT3 Evo driver.
“Everyone warned me Le Mans would be dark, and I thought they were exaggerating – but they weren’t! It’s really dark.
“Finding braking points and apexes, especially from Tertre Rouge to the Porsche Curves, becomes tough.
“But it’s the same track, and after three laps, you adjust.
“Hypercars just fly by — no stress – but LMP2s really require more attention, especially in the dark when all you see are headlights.
“You don’t know who’s behind you or how fast they’re approaching — it’s a challenge.”
Hodenius showcased improvement in the #61 Mercedes-AMG by securing a place in the final Hyperpole qualifying session.
After Hodenius’ fifth place, team-mate Maxime Martin took fourth with his 3:54.998 lap time, meaning that they start on the second row.
“It’s definitely more of a mental than physical challenge,” he said when asked by Motorsport Week.
“Endurance racing is about rhythm. You don’t want to push too hard too early.
“Instead, build up your tyres, build up your own pace, and settle into consistency.
“Concentration is key — every lap, especially at night. I haven’t done Nurburgring [24 Hours] yet, but I will be doing Spa [24 Hours], which is also dark in parts.
“Of course, Le Mans is the big one — the 24-hour. But Spa helps as a good preparation.
“That said, Le Mans is the real deal — nothing really compares.
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