Princess Charlene of Monaco Named 24H Le Mans Starter

Princess Charlene of Monaco will serve as the official starter for this year’s edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

Her Serene Highness is set to wave the French flag to release the record 62-car field at the start of the 2018-19 FIA World Endurance Championship season finale.

Last year, 17-time Grand Slam tennis champion Rafael Nadal waved the grid away, while Formula 1 CEO Chase Carey and actor Brad Pitt have also served as starter in recent years.

“We are delighted and very proud to announce that H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco has accepted to be the starter of the 2019 24 Hours of Le Mans.” said ACO president Pierre Fillon.

“As an accomplished sportswoman, she is the perfect advocate for the promotion of women in motorsport and in society as a whole.

“The Automobile Club de l’Ouest has always encouraged women to be involved in all aspects of motor racing. We are not merely following rules or applying quotas, we are showing women that there is a place for them in motorsport.

“We’re not just talking about hopes and ambitions, we’re talking about taking part here and now, building, doing, living their lives as they wish.”

It’s already been announced that three-time Le Mans winner Hurley Haywood will take up the role of Grand Marshal for the 87th edition of the French long-distance classic.