Bertrand Baguette and Bas Leinders will participate tomorrow (5th May) in their home race for the season (6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps WEC). The latter is also working to ensure that other countrymen will join them soon ...

"Next year, we will enter under a Belgian license." If this announcement today by Jacques Nicolet (Oak Racing boss), I'm not joking, it reflects a reality: the Belgians are still here!

From Jacky Ickx and Thierry Boutsen, to the late Paul Frere and Olivier Gendebien, citizens of the Belgium have never ceased to shine at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. As recently as last year, the crew Ickx-Leinders-Martin wore the colours black, yellow and red and finished seventh with the the Aston Martin of Kronos Racing team based in Namur.

The Royal Automobile Club of Belgium, (RACB) is no stranger to the success of its drivers. "The RACB National Team was created five years ago, said Bas Leinders, one of the three Belgian drivers with Oak Racing for the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I was asked to be captain of this team which aims to help young people reach the top level of motorsport. "

And it works! Bertrand Baguette, the first student of this academy, is recognized as one of the best drivers of his generation. Thus, after being close to victory in the Indianapolis 500 last year, he is now one of the leading drivers of the Oak Racing team.

"My role is to support and advise future talent", continues Leinders who was (in 2004) with Minardi F1 as test driver (ancestor of Toro Rosso). We work with physiotherapists and physical trainers who accompany us during training courses. "

Today, the representatives of RACB are present at the highest level, in this, and in all motor racing disciplines, just like Jerome D'Ambrosio (3rd Team Lotus F1 driver) or Thierry Neuville (Citroen driver in the WRC ).

 

THE NEXT ROUND OF THE FIA WORLD ENDURANCE CHAMPIONSHIP
The 24 hours of Le Mans : >> Tickets Here <<

>> Guide to the 6 Hours of Spa Francorchamps WEC<<

>>  Spa-Francorchamps Circuit Decoded <<

>> 24 Heures du Mans community: Facebook ; Twitter <<
>> WEC community: Facebook ; Twitter <<

Julien Hergault

 

Photo : CIRCUIT DE SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, 6 HOURS OF SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS WEC, 3rd MAY 2012. Bas Leinders, capitain of the RACB National Team.