I wasn't sure when to deploy the vuvuzela metaphor and, sadly, with the absence of Mazda rotary engines, there was nothing at Le Mans last weekend to match the droning blare of the popular South African musical instrument, currently hitting the headlines at the football World Cup.

Trying to describe the sound of a massed 'fly past' of factory diesel prototype sportscars isn't easy. Mimicking the noise is best acomplished with care, as the 'roar-swooshing' can turn unpleasant for bystanders. It is not a distant clattering of London cabs, nor is it a muffled whistling, akin to the Eurotunnel train that brought us to France.

I like it, and I think it brings yet another unique flavour to the world's greatest test of racing endurance. This year's Le Mans 24 Hours was another spell–binding event, the details of which you can read below.

We were able to try the very latest specification DB9 on the way back, exchanging our V12 Vantage (in which we completed the Le Mans town centre Drivers' Parade on Friday) as soon as the race finished on Sunday.

Vuvuzela–like it wasn't — providing the smoothest and quietest of rides home imaginable. My hearing, sanity and general well–being remain intact, you will be pleased to know.

Steve Wakefield Managing Editor sw@classicdriver.com

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