Indianapolis (United States) (AFP)

Many consider it to be the Mecca of motor sport, a legendary circuit that is both magnificent and demonic: the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which hosts the 103rd 500-mile edition since 1911, is a fascinating piece of history. frightening.

The 4-kilometer route, which can accommodate more than 300,000 spectators, is simple: it's called an oval, but it's more like a rectangle with four 9-degree bends, two long straight lines of one kilometer each. two short straight lines of 200 meters each.

But the track is particularly difficult to tame, especially because of the speeds reached: the cars cross at 370 km / h average and approaching turns at such a pace is a challenge.

"It's hard to beat the feeling of Indianapolis when the car is at the limit by looking at the wall," said Canadian Jacques Villeneuve, winner in 1995. "It's really very, very complicated to ignore. the strongest sensations are out there! "

"Turn N.1 (after the first straight, ed) looks almost like a hairpin when you get to that speed and, if you want to go through it, you really have to trust the car," says Mario Andretti, legendary American pilot winner at "Indy" in 1969 and world champion Formula 1 in 1978. "This place can drive you crazy!"

"We are at the limit of what the car gives us," says the French Simon Pagenaud, who will start in pole position. "We're on a very fine line, it's more like piloting a fighter plane, like a demonstration of the Patrouille de France, side by side, it demands of the heart, a lot of control, of self-confidence. and a well-tuned car. "

- "Mastering your nerves" -

Despite appearances, the four turns are all different and "the track evolves with the whirlwind of wind that is created with cars", Villeneuve point.

"This track can be very changeable depending on the moment, Andretti abounds.The wind is very important, especially at the approach of turns 1 and 3". It can have a huge influence on the support of cars and their ability to pass the curves thoroughly.

With 33 cars at the start, you also have to negotiate traffic, adds Mark Miles, the CEO of the IndyCar. "The first thing that comes to my mind when I think of Indianapolis is its narrowness - at this speed, with cars so close, almost wheel to wheel, it's a real emotional challenge," he says. -he. "To win, you have to know how to control your nerves, without a doubt."

All in one atmosphere. "It gives a little goosebumps, says the French Sebastien Bourdais.You come back on Sunday and the energy, the world there is, it's pretty incredible.And the ceremonial is quite addictive. go up, it goes up and it's time for it to start! "

Forty-two drivers, all categories combined, have died on this infernal speedway since the first race in August 1909. The last was a 13-year-old rider, Peter Lenz, on August 29, 2010.

? 2019 AFP