This year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans Grand Marshal is a high-spirited Italian: Emanuele Pirro takes the baton from Hurley Haywood who fulfilled the prestigious role last year. Previous Grand Marshals include Henri Pescarolo (2013), Allan McNish (2014), Tom Kristensen (2015), Alexander Wurz (2016), Mark Webber (2017) and Jacky Ickx (2018).
The year 2020 is a special one for Emanuele Pirro, who has won Le Mans five times (2000, 2001, 2002, 2006, 2007). It is 20 years since his first win in the formidable, reliable R8. At Le Mans and throughout the endurance world, the name Emanuele Pirro is synonymous with Audi. The Italian embodies the German make’s victorious enterprise in endurance racing. Starting with Audi’s first Le Mans triumph with the R8, Pirro’s wholehearted enthusiasm contributed to the winning streak that made way for the Audi R10 TDI.
Sharing the wheel with the likes of Tom Kristensen, Franck Biela, Marco Werner and Allan McNish, Pirro, member of FIA Drivers' Commission, was appreciated as a teammate as much for his outgoing nature as his fast driving. He hung up his helmet after the 2010 race but returns regularly as a commentator, always ready to share his knowledge and experience.
Shortly before 14:30 on 19 September, Emanuele Pirro will lead the field to mark the start of the 88th 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Emanuele Pirro: “I’m delighted to be back at Le Mans in this role. It will be great to be back on the circuit, to test the new Porsche Curves. It used to be a key spot; you could lose a lot of time if you weren’t careful. I’m looking forward to going through there as leader of the pack.
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “The role of Grand Marshal is traditionally fulfilled by a Le Mans winner, a driver who epitomises this race and this discipline. Emanuele Pirro is a perfect representative. He has won Le Mans five times, finished in the top three 10 times, and above all he is a shining light, a true leader. The 2020 field should be thrilled to be led out by a Grand Marshal who has put so much energy into racing and always defended drivers."