Le Mans, the Dane Kristensen won the 24 oree dedication to the success ... - Corriere della Sera

THE podium after the tragedy

Le Mans, the Dane Kristensen won the 24 Hours
and dedication to the success of compatriot who died

Simonsen The pilot lost his life on the circuit Saturdays. Tears and bitterness during the award ceremony

Into Kristensen after the race within a minute of silence to remember Simonsen

LE MANS – Two destinies overturned. A Dane in history, another in heaven. At the 24 Hours of Le Mans winner Tom Kristensen in the Audi (along with teammates Duval and McNish) beating the Toyota Trio-Davidson Buemi-Sarrazin. But it is a sad victory, brimming with tears and bitterness. He shakes his head, his face furrowed by fatigue and emotions. “This is for Allan (Simonsen ed ), I wanted to dedicate it to my father passed away in March. If I run I owe it to him, but will be other occasions. Yesterday we lost someone important. We will miss him. ” The eyes are moist staring into space, thinking back to his compatriot, who died on Saturday in a crash against the guard rail with three laps into the race.

The emotion after the victory

THE INVESTIGATION – The organizers of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest have opened an investigation into the incident. Simonsen was not an amateur: he had competed in the 24 hours to six times, was an “experienced pilot” they say in the paddock. He’s gone, while his colleague Kristensen enter the “Hall of Fame” winning Le Mans for the ninth time. Denmark is a hero. In Simonsen remember the entire circuit is “off” in an eerie silence arrival of the machines.

THE DANGER – Talk Jacky Ickx, a “survivor” in many Le Mans. “We know that racing is a dangerous sport, especially in this moment it is important to remember – he says – we are close to the family of Allan.” At the end of the race, Ickx asked for a minute of silence and applause in memory of the missing pilot. Emerson Fittipaldi, former world champion of Formula 1, has expressed similar words. You had to stop the run? You could make better decisions? The debate is endless. You certainly could better manage the communication, since the blackout of news after the collision. If you ask any pilot here, replied that the best way to honor Simonsen had to keep running. And dedicate the race, as requested by the family. So they did even if the controversy will never be lacking.