Tom Kristensen

1. Who is he?

Tom Kristensen is Danish, born July 7, 1967 in Hobro. He is a former endurance driver, nicknamed “Monsieur Le Mans” because of his nine victories at the 24 Hours of Le Mans (record), now retired.

2. Junior course

After karting and a title in German Formula 3, Tom Kristensen went into exile in Japan. In 1992, he joined the Formula 3 championship. The following year, he won the title. The Dane remains in the Land of the Rising Sun to drive simultaneously in Formula 3000 and the Japanese touring car championship. Categories where he will finish vice-champion. In 1996, Tom Kristensen entered international Formula 3000 and finished sixth that year. After an additional year in the category, he returned to Tourism in STW, the German championship, and BTCC, its British equivalent. With a Honda Accord, he scored three victories and seven podiums. During this time, Kristensen was in charge of developing Formula 1 tires at Michelin. He carried out tests with Minardi, Tyrrell, Jaguar and Williams. However, he did not find a place in F1 and decided to turn to Endurance.

3. Endurance course

It all started with a bang at the 24 1997 Hours of Le Mans. For his first participation with a Porsche prepared by Team Joest, the Dane won the race with big brothers Michele Alboreto and Stefan Johansson. His next two appearances resulted in two retirements at the wheel of a BMW V12. Between 2000 and 2005, Kristensen was untouchable at Le Mans. With the Audi R8 (four times) in LMP1 and the Bentley Speed 8 (once) in LMGTP, he won the event five times in a row. He continued his harvest of victories with the Audi R10 TDI in 2008 after a bitter duel with the Peugeot. In 2012, Tom Kristensen was logically hired by Audi Sport for the debut of the World Endurance Championship (WEC). He got off to a flying start with a sixth victory at the 12 Hours of Sebring (Florida). The rest is sparkling with 7 podiums in as many races. He finished second in the championship behind the brand's other car; the coronation is only delayed by a year. Accompanied by Loïc Duval and Allan McNish, he won three victories, including a ninth and last at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Tom Kristensen is retiring at the end of the 2014 season, after having participated in the development of the Audi R18 e-tron quattro hybrid.

4. AUTOhebdo’s opinion

Jacky Ickx seemed untouchable with his six successes at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. But Tom Kristensen brought another perspective, like Lewis Hamilton after Michael Schumacher's reign in Formula 1. F1 never wanted the Dane, and it took him badly. The Dane is undoubtedly the greatest talent to ever get his chance in the discipline. Endurance gained an exceptional driver, endowed with a formidable burst of speed. This quality, combined with tactical sense and unfailing consistency, made him an essential star of Endurance for around fifteen years. Even today, Danish spectators come in large numbers to Sarthe, proof of Tom Kristensen's star status and the influence of this gentleman, both behind the wheel and in the paddock.