Bernard Chambérod – “The Formula 2 drivers signed a petition against me! »

Hello Bernard! We are here in Limonest – Mont-Verdun (Rhône) (see report Ah 2329), the usual scene of the end of the season in the French Mountain Championship. This race must bring back many memories!

I remember an epic victory against Lionel Régal in 2004. I also remember that this race is difficult, very technical and that we often had difficulty performing here. Apart from that, it's a very good race, which I recommend to all drivers.

You also have a strong link with this event, since you won one of your French champion titles there... without being at the start!

Indeed ! In 2003, I won the title while on my hospital bed, since I had just undergone a triple bypass surgery which took me away from the races at the end of the season. Everything was at stake in Limonest, and it worked out in my favor. My last “sporty” climb here dates back to 2004. I have had the opportunity to take this route several times since, but never in a car like this…

Exactly, let's talk about it: a Mercedes AMG GTC with 8 horsepower twin-turbo V557. Does this inspire you?

Oh yes anyway ! It's been a long time since I've been in such a machine... I can't wait!

Did your passion for motorsport run in the family?

No way ! I was always interested in it, but my family wasn't into it at all. Like my son Damien a few years ago, I played football as a child, nothing to do with motorsport.

So how did you get into riding?

I started by making a karting, which was actually just a washboard with four casters (