Fabien Barthez will race in this year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans race, it has been confirmed.
The former Manchester United and France goalkeeper will race for the Panis- Barthez Competition team, which he formed with former F1 driver Olivier Panis.
Barthez retired from professional football in 2007 and began a career in motorsport the following year, going on to be crowned French GT champion in 2013.
Another ex-F1 driver, Mark Webber, is also taking part and believes Barthez’s participation in the event proves its significance.
“It’s good, it’s a big race, it’s very, very popular, there’s more and more profile coming to the race,” Webber told Omnisport.
“We saw last year obviously with Nico Hulkenberg coming across and other Formula One drivers looking at the race in the future, so it’s a big event, a strong race and of course one of the biggest car races in the world.”
Barthez also took part in the race in 2014, finishing in 29th position with his co-drivers.
The race, which lasts 24 hours, is designed to test the endurance of sports cars.
This year’s event will take place from the 18th until the 19th June.
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