Jules Bianchi Kart Marathon in Le Castellet: 400 drivers, 50,000 euros in donations

The 42-hour race, involving thirty-five teams, began on Friday. This motorsport celebration honors the memory of Jules Bianchi and supports research.

This 10th edition of the Jules Bianchi karting marathon, organized by Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce, was designed to be sporty, joyful, and friendly, reflecting the spirit of Jules Bianchi, the young F1 driver who died during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, who loved the atmosphere of the paddocks.

Franck Lagorce, a former driver, couldn’t hide his emotion: “It’s a unique event in the world that we had the idea of ​​setting up with Philippe (Jules’s father, Editor’s note), about ten years ago. It’s a concept that has been registered today, with a race lasting just over 42 hours, which is what makes it unique. It’s part of the Jules Bianchi association, which supports medical research. We owe this longevity to the spirit that reigns over this leisure race, and to the commitment of many drivers, pros and amateurs, friends of Jules, but also many motorsport enthusiasts. It’s good-natured, and that’s what we absolutely want to maintain, even with thirty-five teams competing. Besides, we’re full, we can’t accommodate any more!“

Celebrities in search of pole position

Among the VIPs were content creator Idreau, comedian Arnaud Tsamère, artist Benjamin Biolay, and five-time world swimming champion Camille Lacourt, who, for a weekend, left the pools for 42 hours of racing at Paul Ricard karting. “I’m very happy to be taking part; it’s honoring a late athlete,” explained the swimmer. “I’ve been training a bit over the past few months and I’ve been visualizing the track.“

Val, 14, a cadet who learns quickly!

Unknown drivers race alongside celebrities, like young Val, 14, the youngest participant this year. “I’ve been waiting for three years to reach the required weight and age to participate,” he admits. “I’m very happy to be here and to be able to pay tribute to Jules Bianchi. I’m a fan of motorsport and F1. This weekend, I’m racing with the IDEA Kart team; it’s a group of automotive experts, and I’m coming from Ajaccio, Corsica, for the occasion. On the track, I’m learning a lot, especially from the big names racing in front of me. I’m trying to correct my mistakes as I go along.“

This sporting event was a great success and 50,000 euros of donations were donated to the Jules Bianchi association, created to support research into severe brain injuries and to finance medical equipment for the L’Archet hospital in Nice.

Video link: Click here.

Source article: https://www.varmatin.com/auto/marathon-de-kart-jules-bianchi-au-castellet-400-pilotes-50-000-euros-de-don-1001775#