Benjamin Biolay, Anthony Delon, Claudio Capéo... Many celebrities will participate in the 10th Jules Bianchi karting marathon at the Castellet circuit

It is certainly with great emotion that the 10th edition of the Jules Bianchi karting marathon will be played out this weekend at the Paul Ricard circuit.

Created by Philippe Bianchi, father of Jules Bianchi, a young and distinguished driver who died in 2015 after a Formula 1 accident during the Japanese Grand Prix, this sporting and charitable event was founded with his lifelong friend Franck Lagorce.

Every year, it brings together four hundred drivers, dozens of big names from motorsport, cinema, song and the small screen, around a karting competition in memory of Jules.

Benjamin Biolay, Claudio Capéo, Anthony Delon, Stéphane De Groot, David and Cameron Hallyday, Gérard and Antoine Holtz, Camille Lacourt and Arnaud Tsamère are among them.

Ride for a good cause

In addition to perpetuating the memory of the young pilot who died too soon, the Jules Bianchi marathon aims to raise funds for medical research into severe brain injuries.

As well as the financing of suitable medical equipment for the care of patients at L'Archet hospital in Nice, and for supporting patients' families in their daily struggle.

On the track, teams of professionals, amateurs, enthusiasts, like the Paul Ricard team made up of circuit employees.

A lap with Alexandra Akbasli, sales director of the Paul Ricard circuit and driver of the marathon karting team: " This is the third edition that takes place at the circuit, and I am participating. As for us, as a circuit team, we are all employees, restaurateurs, airport staff, paddockmen and amateur karting drivers. Around twenty drivers, accompanied by the support of a team manager, a happiness manager, and a communications manager, in order to create and immerse ourselves in the atmosphere of a real automotive team, with cohesion, to live a very beautiful experience together."

Neck and neck with Team Leclerc

"In the 2023 edition, we were very, very well placed, just behind Charles Leclerc's team. It was impossible to compete, we finished on the second step of the podium. Last year, we finished in 11th place, the level was already very high with professional teams. This year, the difference will be made between professional teams and amateur teams, which should give us the opportunity to move up the rankings again. The goal is still to have fun, challenge ourselves and enjoy the moment."

Rub shoulders with the big names in piloting

"Usually, we're used to meeting great drivers in the paddocks or in the corridors in a professional manner. But in this kind of event, we're competing against them directly on the track, which has a special flavor. We're side by side on the track, it's quite exceptional. We hope to pay a nice tribute to Jules Bianchi, and make our president Jean Alesi proud, who suggested we create a Paul Ricard team."

Practical information Open to the public with free access via the Xtrem Park, Friday 12, Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 September. Subject to safety gauge conditions, on a rolling basis, for the trackside terrace and the karting club roof terrace. The paddocks will be closed to the public. Refreshments and snacks are available on site.

Friday: 2 p.m. free practice; 4 p.m. qualifying practice; 6 p.m. presentation of the 35 crews; starting signal at 7:41:10 p.m.

Saturday: karting marathon; 7:30 p.m. paddock entertainment. Sunday: 2 p.m. arrival; 2:30 p.m. podiums and prize-giving.