Six-time Le Mans 24 Hours winner Jacky Ickx has been appointed the Grand Marshal for this year’sꦅ edition of the iconic endurance race set to take place on the 16-17 June.

Ickx sits second on the all-time Le Mans wins list only behind nine-time winner Tom Kristensen with his victories stretching over a 13-year span having also while also being an eight-time For꧙mula 1 Grand Prix winner as well as the 1983 winner of the Dakar Rally.

The iconic Belgian driver will  lead the formation lap at 🔴the start of the Le Mans 24 Hours and 🎐is honoured to be given the opportunity.

“I’m delighted to be able to take part in the event,” Ickx said. “Le Mans💖 has always been kind t🦂o me. I’ve had many good times here, as a driver.

“I’ve also been race director and have been race starter too. T🍰his year, I shall be Grand Marshal. This race has🦹 always held something special to me, as a driver and as a person. It brings out the fundamental elements of driving.

“It’s about sharing, daring, focusing, friendship and fans. It’s intense and it’s extraordinary. I can see myself already, at the wheel, behind me a field ofꦆ heroic drivers, amateurs and profession🐈als.”

President of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest Pierre Fillon has welcomed the appointment and is certain the 86^th edition of Le Mans 24 Hours will be a success.

“Everyone knows that Jacky Ickx is a great driver and a great man and♉ he will surely make a great Grand Marshal for the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2018. The 60-car field will be following in illustrious footsteps,” Fillon said.

“Wit🌌h Jacky Ickx leading the way, the race can only be a success. We are particularly proud that he has accepted the role. He is a father-figure in the endurance community.”