Jules Bianchi Kart Marathon in Le Castellet: 400 drivers, 50,000 euros in donations

This 10th edition of the Jules Bianchi karting marathon, Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce wanted it to be sporty, joyful and friendly, in the image of Jules Bianchi, the young F1 driver who died during the 2015 Japanese GP, who loved these paddock atmospheres.

Franck Lagorce, a former driver, couldn't hide his emotion: "It's a unique event in the world that we had the idea of ​​setting up with Philippe (Jules's father, Editor's note), about ten years ago. It's a concept that has been registered today, with a race lasting just over 42 hours, which is what makes it unique. It's part of the Jules Bianchi association, which supports medical research. We owe this longevity to the spirit that reigns over this leisure race, and to the commitment of many drivers, pros and amateurs, friends of Jules, but also many motorsport enthusiasts. It's good-natured, and that's what we absolutely want to maintain, even with thirty-five teams in the running. Besides, we're full, we can't accommodate any more!"

Celebrities in search of pole position

Among the VIPs were content creator Idreau, comedian Arnaud Tsamère, artist Benjamin Biolay, and five-time world swimming champion Camille Lacourt, who left the pools for a weekend to race at Paul Ricard karting for 42 hours. "I'm very happy to be taking part; it's a way of honoring a late athlete ," the swimmer explained. " I've been training a bit over the past few months and I've been visualizing the track."

Val, 14 years old, a cadet who learns quickly!

Anonymous drivers are racing alongside celebrities, like young Val, 14, the youngest participant this year. "I've been waiting for three years to reach the required weight and age to be able to participate ," he admits. " I'm very happy to be here, and to be able to pay tribute to Jules Bianchi. I'm a fan of motorsport and F1. This weekend, I'm racing in the IDEA Kart team, it's a group of automotive experts, and I'm coming from Ajaccio in Corsica for the occasion. On the track, I'm learning a lot, especially from the big names who are racing in front of me, I'm trying to correct my mistakes as I go along."

This sporting event was a resounding success, and 50,000 euros in donations were donated to the Jules Bianchi association, created to support research into severe brain injuries and to finance medical equipment for the L'Archet hospital in Nice.

Charles Leclerc held at his brother's wedding

The race continues today, Saturday, and could well face a rain shower forecast for this evening. The finish is scheduled for Sunday at 2 p.m. In the absence of F1 driver Charles Leclerc, the big winner of last year's race, who is away at his brother's wedding in Italy, all predictions are open!