Mark Webber in awe of the talented trio comprised of Benoît Tréluyer, Marcel Fässler et André Lotterer
On the internet and social media front however, Le Mans has outpaced F1 with its Web TV presence and diversity of web apps. This year's edition and the awaited battle between the manufacturers will be well worth following on the net given the rich content on offer.
The classic event in the Sarthe will draw about 250,000 spectators, which is far more than any Grand Prix, although WEC attendance figures falls more in line with F1 as the season departs the European continent for its far-away races like Shanghai and Bahrain. But one would also emphasise the undersized crowds which garnish F1's grandstands at its exotic venues.
Both Formula 1's and WEC's contracts with the Belgian track were recently renewed until 2018, which will offer a continued turnout comparative between the two events. Take note Bernie!
As F1 meanders through its existential crisis and questions its economics, the success of the WEC should perhaps be scrutinised more deeply by one Bernie Ecclestone. "At Silverstone, in spite of a record presence of 130,000 spectators, the British Grand Prix struggles to make ends meet," points out Gérard Neveu. "But the WEC's 6-hour race generated a profit for the organisers with only a crowd of 40,000…"
Spa last weekend was on a par with Silverstone as 46.000 people enjoyed the show, or 10,000 less than the country's national Grand Prix attendance and its incredibly more expensive organisational cost. Both Formula 1's and WEC's contracts with the Belgian track were recently renewed until 2018, which will offer a continued turnout comparative between the two events. Take note Bernie!
