Derek Bell, named Grand Marshal of the 24 2021 Hours of Le Mans

After Emanuele Pirro last year, it is Derek Bell who will be the Grand Marshal during the 2021 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It is he who will pilot Saturday August 21 the “Leading Car”. He will thus guide the peloton during the formation lap before the big start of the Sarthe race.

“I am extremely honored to be named Grand Marshal for what is the greatest race in the world, confesses Derek Bell. I have raced Le Mans 26 times in 27 years. My fondest memory was participating in 1995 with my son Justin and Andy Wallace in the McLaren Harrods. We finished third on Father's Day. Getting on the podium with my son is something unique. Le Mans is my second home so thank you to them for this opportunity.”

Darek Bell is part of a very prestigious club with 5 victories at Le Mans under his belt. In 1975 with the Mirage GR8-Ford-Ickx, in 1981 with the Porsche 936-Ickx, in 1982 with the same car, in 1986 with the 962C-Holdbert-Stuck and finally in 1987 with the 962C-Holbert-Stuck.

Note that at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, the Grand Marshal is necessarily a former driver. Thus, since 2013:

• 2013: Henri Pescarolo
• 2014: Allan McNish
• 2015: Tom Kristensen
• 2016: Alexander Wurz
• 2017: Mark Webber
• 2018: Jacky Ickx
• 2019: Hurley Haywood
• 2020: Emanuele Pirro

? Derek Bell, five-time winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, will be the Grand Marshal of the 89th edition!

? https://t.co/werP9OguHS# LeMans24 #WEC pic.twitter.com/kpTc0ea00U

- 24 Heures du Mans (@ 24heuresdumans) July 21, 2021