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Tennis icon Nadal named Le Mans 24 Hours starter

Tennis legend Rafael Nadal has been named race starter for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours.

Rafael Nadal

Rafael Nadal

Handout photo

Nadal, who won his 10th French Open title last year and also has Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open championships to his name, will wave the tricolore flag at the start of the French endurance classic on June 16/17 to signify the start.

The role was fulfilled by Formula 1 boss Chase Carey last year, and in recent years the likes of actor Brad Pitt, NASCAR chairman Jim France, Ford executive chairman Bill Ford and Fernando Alonso - who is contesting Le Mans for the first time this year with Toyota - have all had the honour.

"France has long been in the spotlight in the sporting world in June, with the French Open and the 24 Hours of Le Mans," said Nadal.

"This year I will have the honour of giving the start of the 2018 24 Hours of Le Mans, one of the world's greatest motor races. I look forward to getting to know more about this spectacular sport, the drivers and everyone involved.

"We have in common a competitive spirit and a habit of seeking new challenges. That's why I'm delighted to have this opportunity and I can assure you that when I wave that flag to start the race, it will be with the greatest pride and exhilaration."

Pierre Fillon, the President of Le Mans organiser the Automobile Club de l'Ouest, added: "Because he is outstanding in his discipline, because he is talented, fair and combative and has followed an intelligent career path, Rafael Nadal upholds the values of endurance racing.

"For those reasons Nadal is an ideal race starter and the ACO and the FIA World Endurance Championship are delighted to welcome such a champion to Le Mans. His aura will only add to the international reputation of the race."

Six-time Le Mans winner Jacky Ickx will serve as this year's Grand Marshal at La Sarthe, driving the pace car on the formation lap before the race gets underway.

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