When a 24 -hour drive is fun – DiePresse.com
It is the most famous motorsport event in the world, the « 24 hours of Le Mans » fascinated since 1923. Nine-time winner Tom Kristensen, called « Monsieur Le Mans », speaks about the myth of the PS classic, his extraordinary career-and the risk of being over 200 km/h at night.
Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher are Formula 1 record champions with seven titles each. On the long distance, the « King » is called Tom Kristensen. The 57-year-old Dane won three manufacturers in the most important marathon of automotive history between 1997 and 2013, won six wins in the 12 hours of Sebring and at the end of his career, also became world champion in World Endurance Championship (WEC), which was only established in 2012). “Le Mans’ 24 hours are unique. A victory is something very special because of the tradition and job value of the race.
The route with 13.6 kilometers is unique. And then the night and driving under all weather conditions, ”explains Kristensen, the myth of the race, which has been held since 1923, which on Saturday and Sunday June for the 93rd times, interrupted only during the Second World War.
And, that is probably due to age, the long-time Audi plant pilot complements with a little melancholy: “The myth was even greater because you had no way before the race. But you only have one week before the race to prepare yourself perfectly. ” For his career, Queen Margrethe II nestled in 2014 to the « knight of the order Dannebrog ».
