Tennis star Roger Federer named as starter for Le Mans racing event
Roger Federer, tennis legend with an astounding 20 grand slam titles under his belt, is all set to make his mark beyond the tennis court on June 14, 2023. For that day, he'll be lowering the flag to kick off the 93rd edition of the famed 24 Hours of Le Mans sportscar race at the Sarthe circuit in France.
This high-profile event isn't new. Every year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest selects a well-known international figure to initiate the race. Last year, it was French soccer World Cup-winner Zinedine Zidane who got the honors. This time around, presentation duties are going to the Swiss maestro, Mr. Federer, who's known for his immense influence extending far beyond the tennis court.
Intrigued by the unwavering commitment, precision, and dogged determination that the 24 Hours of Le Mans demands, Federer finds this new opportunity an honor that's hard to beat.
As for the race itself, the last two editions have seen victories for Ferrari. Among the most accomplished Swiss racers, Sebastien Buemi takes the crown, having triumphed a total of four times, the last win coming just recently in 2022 with Toyota. Other Swiss winners, like Neel Jani (2016) and Marcel Fassler (2011, 2012, and 2014), have also left their mark on the event's history.
Even though Federer hasn't bagged any wins at Le Mans as a racer, he'll be taking up a ceremonial role in the race down the line in 2025. Now that's a whole new game for this versatile athlete!
[1] https://www.racefans.net/2022/12/31/toyota-clinches-2022-fifty-years-on-from-its-last-win-at-the-24-hours-of-le-mans/[2] https://www.motorsport.com/fia-world-endurance-championship/news/races/le-mans-24-hours/liveried-toyota-gazoo-sports-ace-set-for-titanic-le-mans-battle/7250966/[3] https://www.autosport.com/racing/news/roger-federer-to-be-24-hours-of-le-mans-starter-in-2025/9391270/[4] https://www.mma.pt/roger-federer-irá-servir-de-piloto-de-abertura-do-24-horas-de-le-mans-em-2025/5317/2894404/
- Roger Federer, the Swiss maestro known for his immense influence past the tennis court, will be waving the flag as the starter of the 2025 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans race, following in the footsteps of Zinedine Zidane and other renowned figures.
- In 2022, the 24 Hours of Le Mans ended with a victory for Toyota and Sebastien Buemi, a Swiss racer who has triumphed a total of four times in the race.
- Federer, though he hasn't claimed any victories as a racer at Le Mans, is set to participate in a ceremonial role in the famous sportscar race in 2025, marking a new chapter in his versatile athletic career.
