Actor Mathieu Kassovitz will be the starter of the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race

A big name in French cinema will be associated with an emblematic event of French motorsport. Mathieu Kassovitz will be the starter of the next edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycles. The 57-year-old actor, known among other things for his role in the hit Canal+ series “Le Bureau des Légendes,” has also directed several feature films, including “La Haine.”

A great fan of motorsports, particularly motorcycles, he was the victim of a serious accident in September 2023 on the Linas-Montlhéry circuit (Essonne) while he was taking a driving course in preparation for an upcoming film. A traumatic experience, but one that hasn't put him off two wheels, as he will be starting the 24 Hours of Le Mans motorcycle race on April 19.

"It's a legendary race, it's an honor to be part of its history in some way.", he rejoices in an interview with Ouest-France. “It’s a party, the whole biker atmosphere is completely crazy. Je I'm a fan of extreme sports, motorsports. Motorcycles, Formula 1, they are masterpieces of engineering and human intelligence.

Mathieu Kassovitz succeeds American actor Norman Reedus (The Walking Dead) as the starter of the event in 2024.

30 days before the big departure!
The 48th edition of the 24 Heures Motos is fast approaching. Whether in the city or on the track, get ready to experience the great motorcycle festival 🤩⚡
Join us from Wednesday, April 16 for the preview.#24HMotos #FIMEWC pic.twitter.com/9rIWS27Lr5

— 24 Heures Motos (@24heuremotos) March 20, 2025