Zinedine Zidane celebrates first year as Alpine ambassador with drivers in Madrid
Just under a year ago, French soccer legend Zinédine Zidane became an Alpine ambassador. Yesterday, they visited the Frenchman for a real tour of Madrid, for the last rally of the French stable in 2023.
Pierre Gasly and Esteban Ocon paid a visit to the former Real Madrid midfielder in the city where he has played so much. The purpose was to discuss the 2023 season, but Alpine and its drivers also took the opportunity to visit the Santiago Bernabeu, the Real Madrid stadium.
To liven up the day, the former captain of the French National Team organized a football match between all the Alpine drivers present on site. Moreover, Zidane himself also drove an electric go-kart, advised by the two drivers Lisa Billard and Sukhmani Khera, two Alpine Rac(H)er drivers. An opportunity to highlight the Rac(H)er program, focused on women in motor racing.
Gasly and Ocon thrilled
The day made an impression on the drivers: « Zidane is my sports hero. Spending a day with him in Madrid is a true privilege. Today, we were discussing the Rac(H)er and CEMA program. It is important for me to play a good role in this regard. Hearing Zinedine’s stories and lessons is very valuable. I am extremely grateful and I am already looking forward to continuing working with him », says Pierre Gasly.
For Esteban Ocon as well, the day was an opportunity to honour young talents: « Today, we had the presence of a true legend in sports. A big thank you to Zinedine for this very memorable day. I am a proud ambassador of the CEMA program since its beginnings, as one of my passions is to inspire the next generation of motor racing mechanics ».
« I am very happy to know that we will soon be supporting the third edition of CEMA with Zinedine. The presence of the two CEMA laureates was truly remarkable and it shows that Alpine’s CSR projects are among the best and offer meaningful opportunities to those who deserve it. »
Zidane has spoken about the day
« It was truly a great pleasure to welcome the Alpine family in Madrid. It is also a way to celebrate my first year with Alpine. This ambassador role to support equal opportunities programs means a lot to me because it reflects my own journey. I am happy to be able to share some experiences related to my sporting career, but also my personal life, through the Rac(H)er and CEMA programs.
« Despite coming from different backgrounds, we all ultimately have a common goal: to live our passion for the pursuit of high performance and excellence. Wherever you come from! It is therefore wonderful to be able to share moments, experiences, and ideas with the young people engaged in these two magnificent and meaningful programs. »
« I look forward to more days like this in the near future, and I especially can’t wait to see them one day succeed in living their dream thanks to Rac(H)er and CEMA ».
