The 24 Hours of Le Mans, the fourth round of the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), will get underway at 4pm on Saturday 15 June. As hundreds of thousands of spectators look on, 62 cars will be unleashed when the very special Race Starter gives the signal.
 
For this milestone event, the Automobile Club de l’Ouest (ACO) has the privilege of welcoming one of the biggest superstars in the history of sport. Winner of the World Cup, the European Championship, the Champions League as a player and as a coach, the Ballon d'Or... Zinédine Zidane's extraordinary talent is matched only by his impressive collection of titles.
 
Since 1949, the role has often been conferred upon a personality from the world of politics, sport, film or entertainment. Previous official starters include Brad Pitt (2016), Rafael Nadal (2018), Alain Delon (1996), French president Georges Pompidou (1972) and Steve McQueen (1971). Last year, for the event’s Centenary, LeBron James had the honour of performing this momentous task.
 
Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “I would like to thank Zinédine Zidane most sincerely for accepting the role of Starter. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is a world-renowned event that, throughout its history, has welcomed some great names from many different horizons. Zinédine Zidane is an icon, a sportsman whose talent has inspired generations of fans. With a sporting line-up of unprecedented proportions, promising another historic 24 Hours of Le Mans, we couldn’t have hoped for a more prestigious Starter.”
 
Zinédine Zidane: “The 24 Hours of Le Mans is beyond compare. It’s an iconic race for anyone who loves motorsport, for people all around the world. It’s a source of immense pride for France. My head is full of images of the race, the legendary drivers, the amazing stories, … although these are images from TV or movie scenes! To actually be there will be a first for me and needless to say, I’m extremely honoured to take on the role of starter. I can’t wait to be at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on 15 June!”