24h Le Mans
Bixente Lizarazu is in town to support his close friend, Fabien Barthez, who is driving the #23 Ligier JS P217 for Panis-Barthez Compétition. The two played in the same France side that won the soccer World Cup in 1998.
Former international left-back Bixente Lizarazu is at the 24 Hours of Le Mans this year, despite not being a particularly avid fan of motorsport. He is here for a special reason. “I’m making a documentary on Fabien Barthez. I want to capture his passion for racing cars. The documentary will be entitled “Frères de sport” [to be broadcast on French sports channel L’Equipe TV] and will give viewers an insight into an iconic athlete’s passion for his sport. What I’m interested in showing is Fabien’s love for motor racing. It’s not a recent thing. He used to talk about it when he was a goalkeeper and we played together. It’s fantastic that he has been able to fulfil his dream. We’re not talking about taking lessons in a sportscar or a few races here and there, but the 24 Hours of Le Mans! It’s a legendary race – one of the most famous in the world! I followed him in training for this documentary, and at his home in Toulouse. The pinnacle is being here, in Le Mans, and experiencing the race behind the scenes to see what makes him tick. I know where he’s coming from as I know exactly what adrenaline and powerful sensations are all about. I get the same kick from other sports such as surfing, scuba diving or skiing.”
Lizarazu himself has become an accomplished sportsman in other domains since he hung up his boots, and appreciates what his former international teammate has achieved. “I know how difficult it is. Not everyone has the chance to compete in the 24 Hours of Le Mans. I’ve chatted to Olivier Panis and other drivers and know how much progress he has made and how respected he is, especially given his background. That’s what I’m interested in!”
The documentary will also be an opportunity for the Basque to discover Le Mans: “I’ve never been to the 24 Hours of Le Mans before. I’ll tell you what I think of it afterwards!”. As a former top-level athlete, the footballer-turned-TV pundit and radio presenter will undoubtedly be thrilled by the show put on by the drivers and cars at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Photo: Bixente Lizarazu’s documentary will showcase Fabien Barthez’s new passion.
