"It hasn't changed," Jacky Ickx returns to Charade 51 years after the last French Grand Prix
The Belgian was present at the Charade Circuit this Sunday, May 21st, for the Charade Super Show. The 1969 vice-world champion took the wheel of a Ford GT40 on the historic track. That brought back memories for him...
With stars in his eyes, a smile that stretched up to his ears, and a strong desire to share his experience. After a few minutes of driving on the old Charade circuit, aboard his Ford GT40, Jacky Ickx expressed his joy. "It was magical," assures the man with six victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The 8.055 km track was exceptionally open this Sunday, May 21st, for the Charade Super Show. It was an opportunity for some to get behind the wheel again, 51 years after the last French Grand Prix, in the heights of Clermont-Ferrand.
Despite the ravages of time, the track hasn't changed, says the Belgian speaking to Motors Inside. We are truly in the mountains, it's magnificent. The big descent is still the same. It hasn't moved. I couldn't remember the layout, but the memories quickly came back.
1969, his best race at Charade
He remains nonetheless surprised to see that a roundabout has grown in place of the Manson curve. « That's curious. » Jacky Ickx was also able to admire the BP wall, recently restored by a passionate team. « I said to myself «oh, it's still there". »
The former Ferrari and Lotus driver was able to share this moment with over 12,000 people. « I love the connection with the audience. And you can see that they really love mechanics here. » Every time he passed by the straight line of the pits, he would make the V8 engine of his car roar. « You need to reach 6,000 revolutions per minute, so it is necessary to have long straight lines, which are a bit lacking », adds the man nicknamed Mr. Le Mans.
These few laps brought back a pleasant memory to the Belgian. Here, in 1969, he fought with Jean-Pierre Beltoise for second place. In the end, it's the Frenchman who takes the lead ahead of the French speaker. This is my best race here.
Jacky Ickx participated in three French Grand Prix on the Auvergnat toboggan.
