Five weeks ahead of this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans, the ACO has announced that "Monsieur Le Mans", Jacky Ickx will the grand marshall for this year's race.
 |
| Photo: Dominique Breugnot (ACO) / D.R. ACO |
With six wins to his name (1969, 1975, 1976, 1977, 1981 and 1982), Ickx has written a whole chapter of Le Mans history, his extraordinary success only rivalled by that of nine-time winner Tom Kristensen. As Grand Marshal, the Belgian champion, famed in Formula One, endurance and rallying will have the honour of driving the car that leads the magnificent field for the formation lap of the 24 Hours of Le Mans on Saturday afternoon.
Ickx first win at Le Mans was in a Ford GT40 he shared with Jackie Oliver in 1969. After winning Le Mans for the second time in 1975 in a Mirage GR8 together with Derek Bell, the Belgian moved to Porsche, scoring four more wins. In 1976, 1977 and 1981 he won the legendary race with a Porsche 936, his final win in 1982 was with the Porsche 956. Together with Derek Bell, Ickx won three out of his six Le Mans races (1975, 1981 and 1982).
 |
| © ACO |
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “Everyone knows that Jacky Ickx is a great driver and a great man and he will surely make a great Grand Marshal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018. The 60-car field will be following in illustrious footsteps. With Jacky Ickx leading the way, the race can only be a success. We are particularly proud that he has accepted the role. He is a father-figure in the endurance community.”
Jacky Ickx, Grand Marshal of the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans: “I’m delighted to be able to take part in the event. Le Mans has always been kind to me. I’ve had many good times here, as a driver. I’ve also been race director and have been race starter too. This year, I shall be Grand Marshal. This race has always held something special to me, as a driver and as a person. It brings out the fundamental elements of driving. It’s about sharing, daring, focusing, friendship and fans. It’s intense and it’s extraordinary. I can see myself already, at the wheel, behind me a field of heroic drivers, amateurs and professionals.
