Tennis fans worldwide will be thrilled to know that current the World Number 2 tennis player and winner of 16 Grand Slam titles Rafael Nadal will have the unique honour to kick-start the 86th edition of 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is set to begin on June 16. The Spaniard will be the race starter for the sixty participants taking part in the world’s toughest endurance race.
The Tennis champion will join an elite group of people including Giovanni Agnelli, Alain Delon, Luca di Montezemolo, Jean Todt, Luc Besson, Don Panoz, Bill Ford and Brad Pitt who have been the race starters for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Meanwhile, another Spanish speedster will be on the grid of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Yes, you guessed it right! Formula One double world champion Fernando Alonso will also be taking part in the endurance race this year, showing off his skills in a totally different kind of racing behind the wheel of the Toyota prototype. Fernando Alonso was also the race starter at the 2014 24 Hours of Le Mans.
On the unique distinction of being the official race starter for the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, the World No. 2 Tennis champ Rafael Nadal said, “France has long been in the spotlight in the sporting world in June, with the French Open and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. 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.”