Tennis legend Roger Federer named honorary starter for Le Mans
Tennis legend Roger Federer has been named the official starter for the 93rd edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the most iconic events in motorsport. The race will take place on June 14, 2025, at the historic Sarthe circuit in northwest France, where Federer will have the honour of waving the flag to kick off the race at 4 p.m. local time.advertisementEach year, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) selects a prominent international figure to begin the world-famous endurance race. Last year, that privilege went to French football icon Zinedine Zidane. This year, it's Federer's turn to bring his own touch of greatness to the start line-a moment sure to blend sporting excellence with emotional resonance."It will be a tremendous privilege to welcome Roger Federer as the official starter of the 24 Hours of Le Mans," said ACO President Pierre Fillon. "His impact goes well beyond tennis. Roger is not just a champion, but a symbol of elegance, humility, and resilience-qualities that mirror the very spirit of Le Mans."
Federer, who retired with 20 Grand Slam titles and a record 310 weeks as world No. 1, was humbled by the invitation. "It's a huge honour to be asked to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans, such an iconic and demanding race," he said. "I've always been fascinated by the commitment, precision, and resilience it takes to compete here. To be part of something this special is a remarkable experience."advertisementHis presence continues a long-standing Le Mans tradition of inviting global cultural and sports icons to open the race. With Federer now part of that legacy, excitement around this year's edition has only grown.Recent races have seen Ferrari dominate, while Swiss drivers like Sbastien Buemi, Neel Jani, and Marcel Fssler have all tasted victory at Le Mans-further deepening the Swiss connection to the event this year.As fans around the world gear up for the flag to drop, Federer's involvement promises to make this year's Le Mans even more memorable.Trending Reel
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