Tennis legend Roger Federer named honorary starter of Le Mans 24 hours

    Roger Federer has been handed the prestigious honour of getting the annual 24 Hours of Le Mans underway in June.

    Roger Federer Roger Federer

    The 20-time Grand Slam winner will utter the famous words "Pilotes, démarrez vos moteurs!" [Drivers, start your engines!] on June 14 at the Circuit de la Sarthe in Le Mans, France, in what will be the 93rd running of the 24-hour contest.

    This year's entry list features a total of 62 cars and the field will comprise of 21 Hypercars, 17 LMP2 prototypes, and 24 LMGT3s while six teams are on the reserve list.

    Automobile Club de l'Ouest (ACO) President Pierre Fillon said: "It will be a tremendous privilege to welcome Roger Federer as the official starter of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

    "His influence extends far beyond tennis. He is a living legend, admired as much for his achievements as for his human qualities.

    "His involvement will further boost the appeal of this year's race, which is already gearing up to be outstanding."

    Federer, who retired from tennis in September 2022, follows in fellow tennis great Rafael Nadal's footsteps as the 22-time Grand Slam winner started the race back in 2018, just a few days after he won his 11th French Open trophy.

    The Spaniard, of course, went on to win a record 14 titles at Roland Garros before retiring from tennis at the 2024 Davis Cup Finals in Malaga, Spain.

    Last year, football legend Zinedine Zidane was the honorary starter of the endurance race while NBA great LeBron James got the event underway in 2023.

    "It's a huge honour to have been invited to start the 24 Hours of Le Mans, an iconic but extremely gruelling race," former world No. 1 Federer said.

    "I've always been fascinated by the commitment, precision and resilience it demands. Being at the heart of this emblematic event will be a remarkable experience."

    Other notable starters have been Princess Charlene of Monaco in 2019, Hollywood actor Brad Pitt in 2016 and two-time Formula 1 champion Fernando Alonso in 2014.

    Ferrari have won the past two editions of the 24 Hours of Le Mans as last year Antonio Fuoco, Miguel Molina and Nicklas Nielsen's Ferrari 499P of Ferrari AF Corse took the chequered flag in 24:01:55.856.

    In 2023, Ferrari AF Corse's James Calado, Antonio Giovinazzi and Alessandro Pier Guidi crossed the finish line first in 24:00:18.099.