Theme - Classic British Welcome

The 2023 Theme : Tribute to FERRARI

New President of the Classic British Welcome, Richard TOTEE has unveiled the themes that will accompany the 2023 edition of this event, which will animate the whole town of Saint-Saturnin, one day before the Centenary of the 24 Hours of Le Mans!

First of all, the automotive theme: “the excitement caused by the official return of Ferrari to the 24 Hours of Le Mans led us to choose this manufacturer as the automotive theme this year”, explains Richard TOTEE. Ferrari at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it is 9 victories in the general classification between 1949 and 1965, that is to say the third most beautiful prize list of this event, after Porsche and Audi, brands respectively winners on 19 and 13 occasions.

“The choice of Ferrari as the main theme will be accompanied by a tribute that we wanted to pay in what promises to be an exceptional year,” commented Richard.

The tribute is to Chenard et Walcker, the French brand that won the very first 24 Hours of Le Mans Endurance Grand Prix in 1923. “Although this manufacturer has disappeared, there is still an Association of Friends of Chenard & Walcker! We have joined forces with it: the brand will not be forgotten through our organisation and the exhibition of at least one collector’s model, which seemed essential to us”.

If Ferrari will be the automotive theme of the Classic British Welcome, the 2023 sponsor of this event will be Gérard Larrousse!

A nod to history: 1973 was the year of Ferrari’s last official participation in the Le Mans 24 Hours. The Italian manufacturer was beaten by Matra, with the famous Henri Pescarolo / Gérard Larrousse duo! “We are honoured to have Gérard Larrousse as our godfather, 50 years after his first victory at Le Mans”, underlines Richard TOTEE, while recalling that “Gérard Larrousse is also the President of the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans Drivers’ Club! Gérard Larrousse took the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 8 times, won the race twice as a driver, in 1973 and 1974 with Matra and Henri Pescarolo, then once as the boss of Renault Sport, in 1978.

The French manufacturer moved to Formula 1 the following year, and it was still under Gérard Larousse’s directive that Renault imposed its turbo engine for the first time, and what’s more at the finish of the French Grand Prix! The driver was Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who died on February 2nd at the age of 80. Jean-Pierre Jabouille was also the sponsor of the Classic British Welcome, in 2009.

Another reason for satisfaction for the Organising Committee: the Classic British Welcome of Saint-Saturnin 2023 will be placed under the high patronage of Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile-Club de l’Ouest.

EVERY YEAR A THEME AND A SPECIAL GUEST

Right from the start, the Saint-Saturnin Classic British Welcome made its mark on the 24 hour weekend, attracting interest from manufacturer’s clubs and key figures in the world of endurance racing. The event has a different theme and a special guest each year.

This year, our guest is Gérard LARROUSSE