Charles Leclerc wins the Jules Bianchi marathon
This weekend was the eighth edition of the Jules Bianchi marathon at the Paul Ricard circuit. Died in a terrible accident during the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, this event pays tribute to the French driver.
Close to 400 drivers divided into 32 teams were present this weekend to participate in the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon at the Paul Ricard circuit. Created over 10 years ago by Jules’ father, Philippe Bianchi, the race stops after 42 hours, 19 minutes, and 50 seconds (last lap), a subtle tribute to the ancient marathon event.
As godfather of the Jules Bianchi association, Charles Leclerc was one of the participants, alongside other famous names such as Isack Hadjar, Dorian Boccolacci, Arnaud Tsamère, and the singer Benjamin Biolay.
At the end of the 2326 laps, it was the crew « forever JB 17 » who crossed the finish line first, this Sunday at 2 p.m. Made up of professional drivers like Isack Hadjar, Sami Meguetounif, Norman Nato, and Dorian Boccolacci, they were racing out of competition, leaving the victory to the team « LC8 », led by a certain Charles Leclerc.
« Philippe called me two years ago to revive this race that we used to do with Jules when I was a little kid. I immediately loved the idea. Plus, it’s for a good cause, to honor the memory of Jules Bianchi, but also to help people in real need. So it was clear to me that I had to be there, », said the Monegasque.
For Franck Lagorce, co-organizer of the event, this goes beyond just the sporting aspect: All those who are here, in the stands, are part of this family: the Jules Bianchi family. We will present a check at the prize-giving of 50,000 euros, for Jules’ association. Thanks to Jules, we can still achieve all this.
These funds will help finance essential equipment for the facility where the former driver was taken care of for many months.
