Formula 1 chairman Chase Carey will wave the French tricolore to release the field at this year's 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The Liberty Media executive, who has been in charge of the single-seater championship since September 2016, was confirmed in a press conference at the Circuit de la Sarthe.
Carey follows in the footsteps of American compatriot and Hollywood star Brad Pitt, who waved the cars away in 2016.
ACO President Pierre Fillon said that Carey would help strenghten ties between Formula 1 and the Le Mans governing body.
FIA bosses recently came together in Monaco to discuss the possibility of creating a sporting calendar that would minimise clashes and elevate the global status of each category.
"[I am] delighted that Chase Carey immediately accepted the invitation to be 2017 race starter," said Pierre Fillon, ACO President.
"By starting the race side by side, we will be demonstrating the new ties forged between the ACO and Formula One, facilitated by Jean Todt, president of FIA, our partner in the World Endurance Championship."
"The ACO has always been strongly attached to the passion for endurance racing, its history and above all to the fans, the people who make the discipline what it is."
"With Chase Carey as head of Formula One, the time has come to work together on the sporting calendar, to ensure fans can follow the Grand Prix and endurance racing seasons and enjoy both disciplines to the full.”
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is due to get underway tomorrow (Sunday, June 17th) at 15:00 local time (CEST).
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