Motorsport shares many similarities with space exploration, like cars with rockets and other space shuttles. The optimisation of the cockpit as well as the weight of the machine, whether spatial or terrestrial, are certainly key factors.

Another common point is the radio link between engineers and either drivers or astronauts. Most astronauts and drivers at the 24 Hours have a developed sense of bravery and an unfailing appreciation for risk-taking. Their physical and mental preparation must also be meticulous, whether to take the start in one of the greatest car races in the world or to fly a space mission.

2008 and the "new" Wright brothers

One of the most unprecedented and memorable starts in the history of the race took place in 2008.

That year, to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the first flight in Europe by Wilbur and Orville Wright (at the Mulsanne Straight), a replica of the plane (a 1908 Flyer) taxied on the pit straight ahead of the start of the race. On board were the first French astronaut in space, Jean-Loup Chrétien, American astronaut Mark Brown who traveled in space in 1989 then 1991 on Columbia and Discovery, and Russian astronaut Vladimir Titov who completed four space flights during his career in 1983 (Soyouz T-8), 1987 (Soyouz TM4), 1995 (Discovery) and 1997 (Atlantis). The French flag at the 76th running of the race was then waved at the same time by Sergeï Volkov and Oleg Kononenko from the International Space Station some 400 km above the circuit.

Three weeks later, another legendary astronaut made an appearance at the circuit to give the start at the 4th Le Mans Classic: Buzz Aldrin, who walked on the moon on July 1969 with Neil Armstrong.

A well-known French astronaut also made an impression on the crowd at the 24 Hours. During his six-month mission (November 2016 to June 2017) on the International Space Station, Thomas Pesquet broadcast a snapshot of the city of Le Mans and the 24 Hours circuit. A snapshot to be found in his book "Terre(s) depuis l’espace, la planète s’offre en spectacle."

Thomas Pesquet and Richard Strauss, a space odyssey

Upon return from his mission in June 2017, Pesquet was unable to attend the start at the 85th 24 Hours due to his post-mission obligations at the European Astronaut Center. He did manage to film a video message streamed on social media for the public and the drivers competing in the race. Thomas Pesquet: "A few weeks ago, when I was still in space, I caught a glimpse of the Le Mans circuit from the window. I immediately grabbed my camera and shared the photo on social media."

He then referred to his commitment to the protection of the environment and our planet, while underscoring the importance of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in that regard. "Like the space station, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is an everyman's laboratory. In space, we too test a multitude of things to find solutions to problems on Earth and to improve the lives of its inhabitants. I understand the new 24 Hours regulations go even further by imposing more than 40% reduction in fossil fuel consumption. We aim for performance while reducing the use of fossil fuels and toxic gas emissions."

Did you know the music that plays at the start of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Richard Strauss' Also sprach Zarathustra, is also one of the main musical pieces in Stanley Kubrick's 2001: A Space Odyssey?

Will we get to see astronauts at the circuit once again for the historic 24 Hours of Le Mans Centenary? Find out on 10-11 June!

PHOTO (Copyright - ACO Archives): LE MANS (SARTHE, FRANCE), CIRCUIT DES 24 HEURES, 2008 24 HOURS OF LE MANS. From top to bottom: during the pre-race ceremonies, three astronauts took the controls of a Wright Brothers' plane replica on the pit straight; above, the European Space Agency (ESA) at the race represented through a partnership with Henri Pescarolo's team in the 2000s.