Strong Together: H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco presents her team entered for the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual
The 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual will take place on 13–14 June, the first race of its kind with a mixed line-up of professional racing drivers and sim racers.
The 50-strong field includes the Strong Together #54 Ferrari entered by the Princess Charlene of Monaco foundation. Crew members are Francesco Castellacci, Felipe Massa, Giancarlo Fisichella and Tony Mella.
H.S.H Princess Charlene of Monaco was the official starter of the 87th 24 Hours of Le Mans last June, to the delight of the 250 000 spectators who witnessed the race. This year, the princess is on the starting line of the 24 Hours of Le Mans Virtual with her team Strong Together whose car will be in the hands of Francesco Castellacci, Felipe Massa, Giancarlo Fisichella and Tony Mella.
Launched in 2012 the princess’s foundation works to promote water safety, sport and education programmes, particularly for children and young people. Its mission is to promote the benefits of sporting activities; teach children and adults basic swimming, water safety, first-aid and drowning prevention skills, and foster national or international amateur sports competitions. The Foundation is equally involved in communicating the values of sport such as discipline, respect for oneself and for others, determination and teamwork. Strong Together is a message to the world from Princess Charlene and Prince Albert II.
Charlene, Princess of Monaco: “Being starter of the 87th 24 Hours of Le Mans was an unforgettable moment, and I am grateful to the Automobile Club de l’Ouest for offering me the opportunity to experience it. This year we forge more ties between Monaco and Le Mans, both well-known for motorsport, with the #54 Strong Together team that will be racing under the banner of my foundation and the flag of the principality.”
Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest: “I am particularly proud to receive this support from H.S.H. Princess Charlene of Monaco. It is an acknowledgement of the importance of this race and the values that we defend. Le Mans and Monaco have much in common where motorsport is concerned. Strong Together is a forceful team with crew members Francesco Castellacci, Felipe Massa, Giancarlo Fisichella and Tony Mella. GTE is always a hotly disputed category and there is no reason to expect that to change in a virtual race.”
https://24virtual.lemansesports.com/
Francesco Castellacci: 4 24 Hours of Le Mans starts; best result second in 2018 with Giancarlo Fisichella. FIA WEC competitor.
Felipe Massa: 269 Formula 1 Grand Prix including 11 wins; vice champion in 2008. Starter of Le Mans Classic in 2018.
Giancarlo Fisichella: 223 Formula One Grand Prix, including 3 wins; 10 starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans including 2 LM GT Pro class wins.
Tony Mella: sim racer, SRC Virtual Endurance Championship competitor.
