The theme for 2020 is a retro homage to the marques featured previously
It’s hard to believe, but Classic British Welcome is now 20 years old! Over the past two decades, it has grown in size and stature to become the premiere support event to the world famous Le Mans 24 hour race. Now, as then, it is totally free to the public, something only made possible by a hard-working band of volunteers who give up hours and indeed, days of their time throughout the preceding year to make sure that everything works perfectly on the day.
Every year since 2003, there has been a theme marque, but to celebrate the 20th Edition, 2020 will see us honouring the 13 marques that have gone before, namely; Alpine, Aston Martin, Austin Healey, BMW, Corvette, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lotus, Marcos, MG, Morgan, Porsche and Triumph. All have competed in the world’s most famous race, a true test of drivers and machines, a race which is often cruel, sometimes gruelling but always exciting!
As always, this year’s theme was announced at the Soirée des Partenaires on the last Friday of January, the 31/1/20. CBW president, Stéphane Auvrignon, welcomed all those present, including the sponsors, partners and members of the Classic British Welcome volunteers.
The evening was compared by Bruno Vandestick and the special guest was Vincent Beaumesnil, the ACO sporting director. On display was an AC Cobra Daytona provided by ATS Le Mans, and a 1926 Bugatti Type 35B.
Finally, it was also confirmed that this year’s special guest would be Dr Wolfgang Ullrich, the former director of Audi Sport. Under his leadership, Audi won 13 times at the Le Mans 24H and it is fitting that 2020 marks the 20th anniversary of Audi’s first win in the Sarthe.
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 Dr Wolfgang Ullrich
PREVIOUS EVENTS
2022
Dr Wolfgang Ullrich
2019 Morgan
Jacques Nicolet
2018 BMW
Jan Lammers, Dutch driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours
2017 Marcos
Frédéric Sausset, Christophe Tinseau, Jean-Bernard Bouvet
2016 Alpine
Mauro Bianchi, Jean-Pierre Jaussaud
2015 MG
Tom Kristensen, record number of Le Mans victories
2014 Porsche
Jürgen Barth, German driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours.
2013 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours
Celebrating the 90th anniversary of the Le Mans 24 Hours and the major British marques who have made their stamp on the history of the
2012 Triumph
Derek Bell, British driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours
2011 Jaguar E Type
Henri Pescarolo, French driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours. Andy Wallace, British driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours
2010 Corvette
Doug Fehan, Program Manager at Corvette Racing
2009 Morgan
Jean-Pierre Jabouille, French Formula 1 and Le Mans 24 hours driver
2008 Ferrari
Phil Hill, American driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours
2007 Austin Healey
Yves Courage, French driver and designer of prototype cars for Le Mans 24 hours.
2006 Aston Martin
Paul Frère, Belgian driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours before becoming a journalist.
2005 Lotus
Johnny Herbert, British driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours. (Sir Stirling Moss attended the event)
2004 Porsche
Derek Bell, British driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours
2003 Jaguar
Jan Lammers, Dutch driver, winner of Le Mans 24 hours
