The story of a weekend behind the scenes of the WEC in Imola, discovering all the work that cannot be seen on the track, but which allows the drivers’ dreams to become reality on four wheels
SWe were invited to the WEC in Imola to experience the atmosphere of one of the most important motorsport events. Many big names in the sector participated in this 2024 edition and Imola was the Italian stage of the season. A fantastic event for the climate and the proposals on the track. A Valentino Rossi in great form achieved his first podium in endurance racing. But having said all this, does anyone who is not in the sector ever think about all those who work in the shadows and in silence to ensure the best reputation for such an important event? There are many workers, mechanics, technicians and engineers who work towards the success of every operation or to best carry out every planned task. There are many who metaphorically do the “dirty work” behind. Of all the impressive work that is behind the success of an event like the WEC, you can already notice it when you cross the Paddock entrance. Among the comings and goings of enthusiasts, onlookers, friends and relatives, the horns of the mobile vehicles sounding as they proceed from one side of the area to the other, many technicians carrying piles of tires or rims to dress up. But not only that, there are many security and access staff in the various points of the structure.
TOWe were lucky enough to have direct access to the garages of BMW M Motorsport, Alpine and Scuderia Ferrari. As soon as you cross the access threshold of each department, you can feel the whole atmosphere of devotion and the whole mood of operation focused on the final objective: the maximum performance of the team. There are tire workers who, under a specially equipped tent, take care of the tires that will be fitted shortly or those that have just been changed by the cars in the race. As you turn around you then see all the mechanics in overalls and tools of the trade ready to mechanically intervene on the next command that the responsible engineer wants to share. And then there are those responsible for evaluating the data and telemetries that are reeled off in real time by the IT systems, not to mention all those who continually take the temperature of the asphalt and the environment. A number of tasks that are carried out simultaneously and that perhaps many times we underestimate on the outside. All without taking into account all the operations carried out for the preparation of a hybrid racing Hypercar. Scuderia Ferrari for example, in addition to assembly and numerous checks, systematically carries out operations such as fire-ups and scanning of the bodywork. A team effort in which the data collected by the engineers, the skill of the mechanics and the aid of sophisticated instruments find maximum synthesis. Each Ferrari 499P is made up of over 3 thousand parts, without considering the internal components of the combustion and electric engines. Each of them is subjected to targeted checks before the car returns to the track for a new World Endurance race. Finally, the role of those who, once the race is over, a few hours before the checkered flag, prepare the cars and equipment for the return to their headquarters via land or air travel must also be considered.
CWhether BMW M Motorsport or Alpine we noticed the attention and teamwork for a pit stop. In the French garage we witnessed such a fateful moment. In addition to the tire change, the car is also refueled and the new driver enters the car. Deciding to stop takes place with the communication from the wall using the sign to indicate it to the pilot and having confirmation via radio. Once back, after braking, the hydraulic hammer takes over to remove the front and rear tyres, the person in charge of the compressed air bolt gun signals the green light with his hand, the car is released, refueling and removal of the ‘car, finally traffic control in the pit lane via radio. In a few seconds at least seven elements are involved in an operation on the machine, mechanics, lollipop worker, refueling workers and fire extinguisher worker. Having experienced this, returning to the stands to watch the central moment of the race and stung by a cold air that portends rain, you notice all the cameramen and photographers who are positioned in strategic points of the track to allow the best shot or photograph to take. AND
you are aware that shortly thereafter they will take on so much of that water that who knows what type of passion drives them to take on that role. For example, there are those who are positioned on top of a crane in the central straight for particular aerial shots that if one already feels cold on the ground, let alone those who have to remain motionless at an almost Ferris wheel height. A thought therefore to all those who do the so-called dirty work for work which isn’t dirty but has a lot of value and esteem including that of those who take care of hospitality, always standing and who with a thank you and goodbye are protagonists of that positive memory that each visitor will take away with them at the end of the race and will jealously keep it in the memory drawer of their mind.
