Christian Sarron: “We must not be afraid of pain”

A French motorcycle legend, the Clermontois has experienced the greatest honors, but also the greatest sadness. Meeting with a discreet and passionate character who takes us into the racing of the 1980s.

Published 02/02/2025 à 18:00

Luca Bartolomeo

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Christian Sarron: “We must not be afraid of pain”

Hello Christian! Thank you for welcoming us to your track. karting, here in Riom (Puy-de-Dôme). Isn't that a bit paradoxical for a two-wheel specialist like you?

I had the opportunity to touch everything! Before that, I was an importer of motorcycle equipment for Europe with Nankai. I had founded a great company, but I left for South Africa to join my wife and son. It didn't really work out... I finally came back, and I decided to set up a karting track. I wanted to create a space accessible to all, because I think everyone should be able to discover motor sports. It offers a great learning experience before facing the dangers of the road. Especially at a time when driving rules are set by people who don't know how to drive.

You had already learned how to drive a car when you had the chance to try a Formula 1...

It's true, during my career in 500cc, I had the opportunity to try the car by Philippe Alliot at Paul-Ricard in 1987. It was a great moment. Negotiating the straight line at full speed while keeping the machine straight was already complicated. Not to mention the braking distances and the famous heel-toe, necessary to change down. I liked challenges, whether on a motorbike or in a car. I started with motorbikes because it was more affordable financially, and I was satisfied. I knew I had to look for challenges and motorsport could have been one of them.

Speaking of your beginnings, where did this attraction to two-wheelers come from?

Luca Bartolomeo

Certified Belgian without accent who writes with pleasure for a French site. In charge of MotoGP

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