VIDEO. “This is our way of keeping his memory alive”: 10 years after Jules Bianchi’s death, a tribute at Le Castellet
Nearly three days of non-stop racing. The 10th Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon took place at the Castellet circuit to honor the memory of the young Formula 1 driver who tragically passed away.
On July 17, 2015, Nice-born driver Jules Bianchi passed away at the age of 25. The great French—and Nice—hope of Formula 1 had been the victim of a terrible accident nine months earlier, on October 5, 2024, during the Japanese Grand Prix at the Suzuka circuit.
For the tenth consecutive year, his father Philippe Bianchi and co-organizer Franck Lagorce kicked off the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon, an event in his memory, on Friday, September 12, at the Paul Ricard karting circuit in Le Castellet in the Var region.
“He never became world champion, he never even won a Grand Prix, but he made his mark in Formula 1. And we, his parents, tell ourselves that our little boy has not been forgotten. He is still with us. This is our way of keeping his memory alive.”
Philippe Bianchi, Jules Bianchi’s father, on France 3 Côte d’Azur
42 hours, 19 minutes, and 50 seconds of racing. More than 500 drivers took part in this karting marathon in memory of the young driver who left such a lasting impression.
Benjamin Biolay among his fans
Among his biggest fans in attendance were numerous celebrities such as Anthony Delon, Camille Lacourt, David Hallyday, and Benjamin Biolay.
“I am a huge fan of motor sports, and he was a driver I believed in very much. And even though he is no longer with us, I still believe in him. The proof is that even though he is not here, he manages to do things like this!”
Benjamin Biolay, on France 3 Côte d’Azur
In 2020, the singer (and actor) released an album entitled Grand Prix, in tribute to the young driver who had passed away. The album earned him two Victoires de la Musique awards.
50,000 euros raised for patients
Actor Arnaud Tsamere was also in the starting blocks for this Jules Bianchi karting marathon. He admires the initiative taken by his father 10 years ago.
“Turning this grief into an initiative to help people with brain injuries is a wonderful thing to do for a family that has experienced such a tragedy.”
Arnaud Tsamere, actor, on France 3 Côte d’Azur
These three days of racing also have a charitable purpose. To raise funds for the Jules Bianchi #17 association, which helps patients with brain injuries, as was the case with the young driver. On the occasion of this 10th edition, €50,000 was raised.
With Arnaud Delayre and Nicolas Chaix-Bryan on site.
