National Anthems

[Voyager75]

I was thinking about the pre-race build up.
Over many years the national anthems of various countries have been played, always ending with the German (good following) followed by the British (a little reserved) followed by the French ( outstanding). I don’t recall hearing them played the last couple of years, or did I just miss this traditional part of race build up. Any thoughts?

[FredericRobinson]

They've been moved earlier in the build up, with the French kept to just before the start , a real shame

[Voyager75]

Thanks for the info.
Yes a real shame, was always nice to think we could out sing the French but never got close.

[williamp]

I believe they play the anthem representing the country of every driver that year. Starting with the single country entrants, moving onto the most numerous country represented, and finishing with the French. And why not? Its a French race, afterall.

[wsn03]

When do they play the other national anthems? I usually take up my position about 2pm, ive certainly not noticed them, perhaps earlier than this?

Are we talking about over the tannoy or RLM?

[Pericoloso]

Do they really play EVERY represented country , that would take ages ?

[williamp]

Pericoloso said:

Do they really play EVERY represented country , that would take ages ?

5
Yes I believe they do. If you think about it, there arent that many different countires represented-maybe 20 at the most??

And yes it does take time. But over the tannoy, they have time..

[Chicken_Satay]

I was thinking the anthems may have been removed so as not to upset supporters of the BLM movement.

[LM240]

I love when La Marseillaise plays and the crowd sing. I always respectfully stand and try and join in.

It’s one of the pre race goosebump moments which makes me so happy to be back there and the race about to start, along with... helicopter arrival with French flag, view of cars weaving down Mulsanne on a TV long shot, the music they play just before the start and then the first pass of all the cars.

Always the shame the UK national anthem is always a bit half heartedly sang by the Brit crowd.

[wsn03]

LM240 said:

I love when La Marseillaise plays and the crowd sing. I always respectfully stand and try and join in.

.

Same, its a proper Le Mans top ten moment for me for a whole bunch of reasons.

[Pericoloso]

I looked at an entry list , which has lots of gaps in it.
28 nationalities I listed.
Most....British
2nd ... French.
3rd ....Italiian.

Also spotted an all female line-up .