🏁 On September 12, 13 and 14, employees from Circuit Paul Ricard, Castellet International Airport and the Panoramic Club restaurant took part in the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon 2025.
For 42 hours, 19 minutes and 50 seconds, the employee team faced nearly 400 drivers spread across 34 rival teams. At the initiative of Jean Alesi, President of Circuit Paul Ricard, the Circuit Paul Ricard team embarked on this adventure, which became an opportunity to experience intense moments of cohesion and solidarity.
The team lined up in a promising 8th place on the starting grid at 7:40 p.m. on Friday evening, with the start being given by Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce, the event’s organizers. But the challenge quickly became tougher: the rain complicated the task for the 35 crews, making consistency difficult for karting beginners.
As the hours went by, the employees managed to turn this sporting challenge into a true human adventure. Mutual support and team spirit strengthened their bonds, allowing everyone to discover one another beyond the usual professional setting.
The finish, a mix of relief and emotion, was celebrated by Jean Alesi and Louis Ducruet, who waved the checkered flag. With commentator Lionel Chamoulaud narrating, the Circuit Paul Ricard team finally crossed the line in 21st place.
Organized by Philippe Bianchi, father of the late driver Jules Bianchi, who passed away 10 years ago, the race also had a charitable dimension: €50,000 was donated to L’Archet Hospital in Nice.
COMPETITION SCHEDULE 