On Saturday June 15, at 4 p.m., the 24 Hours of Le Mans, 4th round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), will begin. In front of hundreds of thousands of spectators, 62 cars will set off, to the signal of an exceptional Starter.
For this global event, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has the privilege of welcoming one of the greatest sportsmen in history. Winner of the Football World Cup, the European Championship, the Champions League as a player and three times as a coach, winner of the Ballon d’Or… Zinédine Zidane has a unique record in world, at the height of his talent.
Since 1949, the ACO has entrusted, each year, a personality with the task of lowering the tricolor flag at the start. We can cite Brad Pitt (2016), Rafael Nadal (2018), Alain Delon (1996), but also Georges Pompidou (1972) and Steve McQueen (1971). Last year, for the Centenary of the event, LeBron James had the honor of taking on this role.
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest : “I very sincerely thank Zinédine Zidane for accepting the role of Starter. The 24 Hours of Le Mans are known throughout the world and have, in their history, always welcomed big names from all walks of life. Zinédine Zidane is an icon , a sportsman who, through his genius, left his mark on generations of enthusiasts. In this historic year for the 24 Hours of Le Mans, with an exceptional sporting field, we could not dream of a greater Starter.”
Zinedine Zidane : “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is unique. For all those who love motorsport, for the whole world, it’s a legendary race. It’s a Source of French pride! I obviously have a lot of images in head, racing, legendary drivers, incredible stories, but in front of my TV (laughs) or through the cinema too. Needless to say, I’m really very honored! “Taking on this role of starter, I can’t wait to be at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 15!”
