25.09.2025Team work at Porsche: A special model shows a Le Mans pit-stop

The pit stops at the 24 hours of Le Mans are a huge part of the race decision. A modern hypercar steers the pit around 30 times as planned during the race. The crews must not make any mistakes. Otherwise, seconds painstakingly gained on the track can be lost in the blink of an eye.

There's no shortage of sources of error. First, the driver is required to not waste any time when entering the pit lane, but also to adhere to the speed limit in a timely manner. Stopping must also be precise, as the car must be within certain pit markings.

Then the crew is called upon. They work not only under time pressure, but also according to a strict protocol. The number of mechanics is limited, as are the number of impact wrenches and the permitted equipment. Refueling, driver changes, and windshield cleaning can be performed simultaneously, but tire changes can only be performed afterward, which incurs additional time.

Afterward, all equipment must be removed from the pit lane before the car can be started again. When exiting, it's important not to impede any approaching cars and to adhere to the speed limit again until the end of the pit lane. All regulations are monitored by cameras, sensors, and other devices.

This second-by-second choreography is a stark contrast to the Le Mans pit stops of the 1970s. This is partly due to the general safety measures of the time. The layout, access, and procedures in the pit area were far less structured and regulated than today. The technical requirements were also completely different. While today, radio and telemetry allow for constant communication between the driver, car, and pit, back then, communication options during a stint were virtually nonexistent. Technical problems had to be repaired spontaneously, often with manual equipment. The focus during the stops was therefore less on strategy and speed, but more on maintaining the race cars.

This diorama, produced by WERK83, brings collectors up close to the now unimaginable drama of a pit stop at the 1970 24 Hours of Le Mans. The car included is the red and white Porsche 917 from Porsche Salzburg, in scale 1:18, with which Hans Herrmann and Richard Attwood secured Porsche's first overall Le Mans victory. The diorama also features seven figures, including the mechanics and the driver figure of Hans Herrmann.

Pit Stop Diorama Winner 24h LeMans 1970 Porsche 917K #23 1:18 WERK83, RRP €293.25, item-no.: CK96105

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Pitstop-Diorama Winner 24h LeMans 1970 Porsche 917K #23 1:18 WERK83 / Figuma

249,95 €