24h Le Mans
During the annual FIA gala, which took place this year in Hofburg - the "old" imperial palace in Vienna, Austria - Frédéric Sausset was given a standing ovation when he was awarded the special President's Award by Jean Todt for his performance at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this past June.
Frédéric Sausset is the first quad-amputee to take the start at the 24 Hours of Le Mans - in a Morgan specially adapated by Onroak Automotive to accommodate his handicap - and to cross the finish line, along with Christophe Tinseau, at his side on the scene, and Jean-Bernard Bouvet.
The entrepreneur took on the challenge of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans after having his four limbs amputated subsequent to a severe bacterial infection. His will and tenacity paid off, showing that "all barriers and obstacles can be overcome if one's will is sufficiently strong."
Frédéric Sausset's magnificent performance led FIA President Jean Todt, who won at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1992 and 1993 when he was head of Peugeot Sport, to honor Sausset with the special President's Award, a prize that had never before been given.
Photo: Frédéric Sausset, flanked by Jean-Bernard Bouvet and Christophe Tinseau, at Scrutineering for the 2016 24 Hours of Le Mans.
