24h Le Mans
On the 22nd of June, the star of Grey's Anatomy will race at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Eager to take his Porsche on the French circuit, the American talks about his love for the race where he made his debut in 2009 aboard a Ferrari.
I can imagine your joy to be back after 4 years of absence ...
Patrick Dempsey : My participation in 2009 remains one of the greatest experiences of my life. Since I spent my free time with my wife and my children. I am infinitely happy to return!
What is your best memory ?
I can't answer this question because every moment remains etched in my memory. The tide of humanity at scrutineering, night practice, the Grand Parade, the start of the race, the sounds, the smells, I love the night ... the night! It is exceptional to drive in the dark. You are overwhelmed by a feeling of loneliness. It is when you become fully aware of the responsibility placed on you.!
It is also said that this is a tough race ...
Sunrise is the toughest time. Tired and bruised ... you want to cry! But you have no reason to stop because the engine still runs like clockwork! You have to go through that difficult phase to fully appreciate the finish.
As an actor, are you inspired by Steve McQueen in the movie Le Mans?
The film follows virtually no plot. It is just the expression of pure love of Le Mans. It is a true testimony of what the race was like in the 70s.
One day, perhaps, you might play the same role ...
How to captivate people who are not interested in cars? How to make them love the race? That is THE challenge. The 24 Hours of Le Mans is magnificent, and you have to convey that magic to the screen. Everyone should know this race! It would be nice to make another film. We'll see ...
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| Photo : Mazda | Photo : Mazda |
In the meantime, you are preparing your second participation. Who are your team mates? Maybe your partner, footballer Alessandro Del Piero?
I am delighted to have this partnership with my friend Alessandro. He is truly passionate about racing and is excited about this project. Eventually he could drive with me, but I don't think he feels sufficiently ready for it. The expectation of the public and the media is a very great and there is pressure on drivers...
Initially, you intended to make your return with a prototype, but you will be driving a Grand Touring car (GTE Am). Why is that?
Everything started very well last year with Mazda. We worked a lot on the programme that would enable me to pursue my career as a prototype driver. Mazda was eventually pulled from the project... But their presence in endurance racing remains, as shown in the constitution of the jury of the most iconic cars in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (a reference to the presence of Yojiro Terada). It would be nice to have come back with Mazda.
So, you had to move quickly to set up a new project!
It was a huge job. Today, we are working with direct support from Porsche. I have a good opportunity to progress with them, Porsche has much to gain by supporting me. It's a good balance. I believe strongly in this new relationship because I feel the involvement of the marque.
Photo : CIRCUIT BUGATTI (LE MANS, SARTHE), LE MANS SERIES TESTING, SATURDAY 25th APRIL 2009. The day that Patrick Dempsey first drove on the Le Mans circuit..
