A Month Of Outstanding Performance And Historic Victories
A Month Of Outstanding Performance And Historic Victories
What a ride it has been, with Simon Pagenaud winning Indianapolis, Rafael Nadal’s victory in Roland Garros for the 12th time and now, Fernando Alonso and Sébastien Buemi’s triumph at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this past weekend! For close to a month Richard Mille partners have been making headlines left and right with their victories. The brand is pleased to congratulate the achievements of these sportsmen in their respective disciplines.
The 26th of May is a date Simon Pagenaud will never forget. On that day, at 35 years old, he claimed his first Indianapolis 500 title. Images of the driver brandishing his trophy before a crowd of 400,000 anticipate those of Rafa with the Coupe des Mousquetaires. Holder of 18 Grand Slam titles, the Majorcan demonstrated once again with this unprecedented duodecima victory that his determination is stronger than anything, and bring him to the heights of international tennis. Unquestionably, he is one of the greatest champions the sport has ever known.
Two other Richard Mille partners are on fire this midsummer month: the two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso and Sébastien Buemi savoured their victory alongside Kazuki Nakajima at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. It was at the wheel of the #8 car belonging to Toyota Gazoo Racing that the title-holder, Fernando Alonso took to the track for his last endurance race on the Manceau circuit.
After winning five out of six races over the season, Alonso is retiring from endurance racing with panache: ‘This won’t be my last race at Le Mans. I’ll come back, but not next year, because my schedule is too tight until 2020. I’ll see what opportunity brings (...) I have many extraordinary memories with this team. The snow at Spa, the legendary track at Sebring, Le Mans, of course, the atmosphere of the championship and the great fanbase. I loved it all. But I also like to move outside my comfort zone. The Dakar is probably my ultimate challenge, but for now I haven’t decided anything.’
With Alonso and Buemi atop the podium, third place at Le Mans went to another Richard Mille partner, Stoffel Vandoorne, driver of the BR1 #11 SMP Racing. The three drivers each wore an RM 67-02 in the colours of their country. Richard Mille also extends congratulations to the other partner teams that participated in the race, such as Jackie Chan DC Racing and TDS Racing, which respectively earned 2nd and 3rd places in LMP2.