Sitting beside me here is a small squared-section bottle. It contains clear liquid and is securely capped by one of those over-centre, thickwire latch systems used for 1950s ‘fizzy pop’ of happy memory. It bears a white and blue label reading ‘H24 – Eau de Voiture’. It was presented to me – with some ceremony – by Pierre Fillon, enthusiastic President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (organisers of course of the annual Le Mans 24 Hours race) at this summer’s Goodwood Festival of Speed.