World-renowned tennis champion Rafael Nadal has been announced as the official race starter for the 86th running of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, set to take place in June.
Nadal is due to be in Paris for the French Open at Roland-Garros the week before the famous race where he hopes to defend his title.
The Spaniard will wave off the sixty participants competing in the 24-hour long endurance event, an honour which has been bestowed upon many famous names including Jacky Ickx, Albert de Monaco, Luca di Montezemolo, Jean Todt, Luc Besson, Brad Pitt, and F1 CEO Chase Carey to name but a few.
The event holds a special attraction for Spain this year as among the drivers on the grid of the 24-hour classic is another famous Spanish sportsman, two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, who himself started the race in 2014.
“France has long been in the spotlight in the sporting world in June, with the French Open and the 24 Hours of Le Mans," commented Nadal. "I know the French Open very well and I’m always proud to be there. It’s the most important tournament of my career.
"This year I will have the honour of giving the start of the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world’s greatest motor races. I look forward to getting to know more about this spectacular sport, the drivers and everyone involved.
"We have in common a competitive spirit and a habit of seeking new challenges. That’s why I’m delighted to have this opportunity and I can assure you that when I wave that flag to start the race, it will be with the greatest pride and exhilaration."
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