Three weeks after the MotoGP Grand Prix, Le Mans is back in the light with the most famous of automobile endurance races, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, this weekend (starting at 4 p.m. this Saturday).
A race to follow in full on La Chaîne L’Equipe, which has held the broadcasting rights since last year. But this 2022 edition will necessarily be different from the previous one, with the strong comeback of the public, where the spectator gauge was 50,000 in 2021. A parameter not to be overlooked for Messaoud Benterki, the “conductor” of the channel 21.
The popular dimension is at least as important as the race itself
Messaoud, you are going to commentate the 24 Hours of Le Mans for the second consecutive year. What is the main difference with last year?
” A year more ! It’s always very valuable when covering such an important event. Last year’s experience will help us a lot. But the big difference, especially there, is the public. In 2021, it was the first time that I went to the 24 Hours of Le Mans. So I can’t really compare. But I can say that as of Thursday, it was already impressive to see everyone come to this event. It will be even more beautiful. Especially since for us, the popular dimension is at least as important as the race itself during the broadcast. It remains a heritage event.
An event that still lasts 24 hours, as its name suggests, and which does not necessarily lend itself to television codes… so how do you maintain the interest of viewers from Saturday to Sunday?
“This is the biggest device set up on an event by the chain with around 90 people. The race stays on the air, we never leave it, but we don’t just stay on the track: also take people behind the scenes, we’ll look for the great stories, the outstanding characters, the animations… everything which makes the magic of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. You need a mix between the two worlds, that’s also part of the channel’s promises.
You can almost never quit completely. We are caught up in this euphoria, in this atmosphere.
And on the air, how do you manage fatigue on such a long broadcast?
“You can almost never quit completely. We are caught up in this euphoria, in this atmosphere. It feels like being in a bubble. The mind and the brain are completely occupied for more than 24 Hours because it is fascinating. But it remains a largely tenable marathon. In any case, we always end up less tired than the pilots! »
In addition, you recovered the TV rights at a pivotal moment for the discipline…
“We have a great story to write, we come to the 24 Hours at a time when endurance is regaining a good dynamic. The timing is really perfect for us to be at the start of writing this new chapter. It is a privilege to accompany this adventure there. »
All the myth around Le Mans…. being an actor and broadcasting it is a very, very strong moment
What does it mean to you to comment on this event?
“I remember the moment when Jérôme Saporito (director of the L’Equipe channel, editor’s note) told me that we would have the rights. It’s probably one of the strongest moments since I’ve been there (he arrived from Canal + in 2101, editor’s note). Because it is a mythical event. Even if I am basically more football than motor sport, I have memories of the Peugeot-Audi match at the time… And then all the myth around Le Mans…. being an actor and broadcasting that is a very strong moment. »
A prediction for this 2022 edition?
“I would like to see a Toyota-Alpine match to the end. And that we are witnessing a French victory at the end. We are very crooked about French victories on the channel, whatever the sport, we don’t hide it. »