Serge Letulle’s passion is motorsport. As a young man, he started out on two wheels in motorcycle hill climbs.  After marrying and the birth of his first son, he gave up competition – but his passion continued to burn. He later switched his focus to sportscar racing, but behind the scenes. He worked for a while as equipment manager in the Tour Auto team, before becoming a marshal in 1984, joining the federal corps. More than thirty years later, his journey has brought him to Le Mans where he is in charge of Zone 5 – the Forest Esses. Licensed by the ACO and a member of the Amicale des commissaires (Marshals’ association), Letulle officiates at all the races at Le Mans. “I’m very lucky to be in this sector at such a circuit!”  he says, but it is not quite enough to quench his thirst for the sport.

European marshal

Letulle holds an international licence and is frequently to be found at the circuits of Europe, from Spa to Silverstone and Goodwood. And if the opportunity arose to go further afield, he would give it serious consideration. He is an interested observer of cultural differences. “In the UK, almost all marshals are from motorsports – often former mechanics – and everyone considers them as officials.” Different interpretations of regulations too, or innovations such as the creation of slow zones, for which Le Mans set a precedent.

Now retired, he spends between 40 and 43 weekends a year at racetracks. “Two years ago, I won the Amicale’s challenge with 112 points, which amounts to around a hundred days on a circuit over the course of the year,” he proudly boasts. “Before I retired, I could not get away as much as I do now although, as I was a technician for Michelin, I was lucky to have a very understanding employer.”

Human adventure

Letulle has seen motor racing go through many changes and feels that the relations between the various parties are not as close as in the days when “we used to slip a screwdriver or a pair of pliers discreetly to a guy – now, it’s forbidden.” Nonetheless, human relations are one of the main reasons why marshals love their job so much. Some of the teams have been together for up to 25 years and have forged solid ties. While some marshals only see each other once a year, others go on holiday together or are literally part of the same family. “We have attended a few weddings among the younger generations where couples have met at the track while on duty.” The hundred or so international marshals who meet up on European circuits also form an informal club.

Wherever you go, you will always a festive atmosphere created by a bunch of friends who share a passion for motors and the thrill of belonging to a fraternity.