From the X-Men to the 24 Hours of Le Mans

It has the power to control magnetism. He is one of the most powerful mutants in the wonderful comics and great antagonist to X Men. But none of that will help him fulfill his dream off the big screen and overcome the many pitfalls of one of the world’s toughest and most iconic races. know this Michael Fassbender, actor to perform X-Men magneta Stelios at 300 oa Archie Hicox of Inglourious Basterdsamong many other roles, undertook intense preparation 4 years ago reaching its final stage this weekend with contention in its first 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The 45-year-old German (April 2, 1977, Heidelberg) made his debut at the legendary event in France aboard the Porsche number 93 in the GTE-Am category with Matty Campbell and Zacharie Robichon, two trusted pilots of the Stuttgart brand. “I’ve always dreamed of competing in the 24 Hours of Le Mans”. The actor pointed out a few days ago, before facing the adventure of his life.

It all happened in one flight

It is not uncommon for the film’s protagonists to participate in the famous La Sarthe trial. Steve McQueen rHe made a documentary film about the 1970 edition, Paul Newman competed in the 1979 edition and was able to finish second in a Porsche 935, and the last to run in Le Mans is Patrick Dempsey, debuting in 2014 on the GTE Pro and becoming second in class in 2015.

Exactly, Fassbender’s idea to compete at Le Mans was the result of talking to Dempsey on a flight from London to Los Angeles. The actor of The Grey’s Anatomy has been key to fulfilling his dream. Dempsey contacted Porsche’s marketing managers to set up a meeting. And with that meeting it all started.

Fassbender will begin a 4 -year preparation plan to head to Le Mans, studying and climbing the lower categories until reaching the World Endurance Championship. That allows Porsche to shoot a series for Youtube with the actor to showcase Michael’s experiences throughout this process. Called production ‘Road to Le Mans’ (Road to Le Mans) and its success was resounding. Millions of people watched its episodes and the Porsche promotion ran perfectly. But it has also been fruitful for an actor who has come a long way.

4 years of training

“When the racing season is over, I will return to being an artist. It’s important to separate, because the career requires a lot of attention, a lot of commitment. If I do something, I do it one hundred percent, “he said Porsche Driving Experience, completing an entry-level program. continued on Porsche Racing Experiencea season on Porsche Sports Cup Germany and make some forays into Porsche Supercup at the wheel of the 911 GT3 Cup. In addition, he competed for two seasons at European Le Mans Seriesa contest in which he was able to sign a podium in the final appointment of 2021 in Portimao with his companions.

“That podium is very important for everyone on the team. After all the failures, setbacks and missed opportunities over the last three years, the result is incredible.” That gave him more strength for the last step: going to Le Mans.

“The thing about dreams is you don’t think about how much work you put in or how many retreats you took. I learned not only what it takes to compete on a career weekend, but also as well as how to be competitive. This challenge gives me an exciting opportunity to show my full potential. It may be a unique opportunity, so I just want to do my best “, added the German.

Accident on first change

Fassbender hopes it won’t be as complicated as it was in the bar scene at Inglourious Basterds. Of course, as long as it improves, the toughest endurance career in the world won’t be a bed of roses. He was reminded of the La Sarthe circuit on Wednesday, in qualifying. At the end of the Hunaudieres straight, Fassbender crashed Proton Racing’s Porsche 911 RSR into obstacles. But that doesn’t remove the illusion of a Michael going through it all.