Carpooling – Pierre Fillon

A Ford GT40. If you were registered with an application carpooling, you would be successful!

For me, it is synonymous with many memories. In 1969, I was amazed by this match between Jacky Ickx and Hans Herrmann – who had a Porsche 908 – and that last trick that drove us all crazy. I was 11 years old!

Was this your first time at the 24 Hours?

No, the first dates back to 1966. Since then, I have not missed a single edition. In 1977, having school exams on Friday and Monday, I swore to myself not to go. But late Sunday morning, I broke down.

What memory instantly pops into your head?

I remember one in particular. It's 3 a.m. and I'm in Jean-Louis Bousquet's stand (three participations in 1977, 1980 and 1989. Editor's note). The team took care of refueling the car, but not the driver. So, I went to fill him with a bottle of water.

There have also been less happy memories, such as Allan Simonsen's fatal accident in 2013. Although we are aware of the dangerousness of this sport, no one is prepared for this kind of tragedy.

How long has your family been in Sarthe?

My maternal grandfather was from Berry and my grandmother from the Basque Country, where they took refuge during the war, but they have always lived here. My father comes from Essarts, in Vendée. He likes cars, but is not keen on competition. I returned in 1988, after studying in Tours. We will therefore say that I am from Sarthois by adoption.

Discover our entire exceptional carpooling with the president of the ACO Pierre Fillon, in our Guide to 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018, available now in digital version and on newsstands.