From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Faroux's strategy for winning the Le Mans race, emphasizing reliability and continuous driving over outright speed.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 87\2\ scan0154 | |
| Date | 21th March 1936 | |
| Sr/Dn9/ET.21.3.36 - 2 - SYSTEM OF DRIVING - Faroux considers that, if the car is capable of approximately 185 Kms. per hour on the straight and it does not have to stop for minor repairs of any description, and if the drivers drive with their brains more than with their brakes and gear box, we should win Le Mans. According to Faroux, it is the car that does not have to stop that wins, and he considers that every minute gained in connection with refuelling or by not having to stop means a minute on the winning side. Contrary to other opinions, and he should certainly know, he considers that Le Mans, apart from the actual driving of the car, should be studied and properly prepared, and that the race itself should be treated in the same manner as any other race. The 24 hours should not encourage one not to worry about minutes and split seconds. Finally, although I admit this does not actually concern the race, Faroux wishes me to continue my job on the track. He points out that I have got this job well weighed up and that, if a change has to be made now, apart from the question of the trouble this change would put the race officials to, we would permanently lose the publicity we gain from having a car at Le Mans, and we should take this matter into consideration. Of course, this will not prevent me from being present during the course of the race, in the pit if my presence is required. Yours sincerely, Sr. | ||