Benjamin Biolay, Anthony Delon, Claudio Capéo… Many celebrities will take part in the 10th Jules Bianchi karting marathon at the Castellet circuit
This weekend, the Paul Ricard circuit’s karting track will host the 10th edition of the event that pays tribute to the driver who died in 2015.
It is sure to be an emotional weekend as the 10th Jules Bianchi karting marathon takes place at the Paul Ricard circuit.
Created by Philippe Bianchi, father of Jules Bianchi, a talented young driver who died in 2015 after an accident in Formula 1 during the Japanese Grand Prix, this sporting and charitable event was founded with his lifelong friend Franck Lagorce.
Every year, it brings together 400 drivers, dozens of big names from the worlds of motorsport, cinema, music, and television, for a karting competition in memory of Jules.
Benjamin Biolay, Claudio Capéo, Anthony Delon, Stéphane De Groot, David and Cameron Hallyday, Gérard and Antoine Holtz, Camille Lacourt, and Arnaud Tsamère are among those taking part.
Driving for a good cause
In addition to perpetuating the memory of the young driver who died too soon, the Jules Bianchi marathon aims to raise funds for medical research into severe brain injuries.
It also aims to finance medical equipment adapted for the care of patients at the L’Archet hospital in Nice, and to support patients’ families in their daily struggle.
On the track, teams of professionals, amateurs, and enthusiasts, such as the Paul Ricard team made up of circuit employees.
A lap of the track with Alexandra Akbasli, commercial director of the Paul Ricard circuit and driver for the karting marathon team: “This is the third edition to be held at the circuit, and I’m taking part. As far as we’re concerned, as the circuit team, we’re all employees, restaurant staff, airport staff, paddock workers, and amateur karting drivers. There are about twenty drivers, supported by a team manager, a happiness manager, and a communications manager, to create and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of a real motor racing team, with cohesion, to enjoy a wonderful experience together.“
Neck and neck with Team Leclerc
“In the 2023 edition, we were very, very well placed, just behind Charles Leclerc’s team. It was impossible to compete, so we finished in second place on the podium. Last year, we finished in 11th place, and the level was already very high with professional teams. This year, there will be a distinction between professional and amateur teams, which should give us another chance to move up in the rankings. The goal is still to have fun, challenge ourselves, and enjoy the moment.“
An extraordinary race for a major cause on the Castellet circuit
Posted by Frédéric