Christine Beckers, a triptych for a world record
The former Belgian driver will drive an F1 car on the Zolder circuit. At the age of 80, she could enter the Guinness Book of Records. A move to celebrate the 50th anniversary of her class victory at the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
The preparation is meticulous. Find the three necessary cars. Acclimatize to Thierry Boutsen’s former Formula 1 car. Find the ideal position in the single-seater… So many necessary steps to successfully complete Christine Beckers’ magical triptych.
The Belgian woman embarked on a rather crazy challenge. Becoming the oldest woman to drive a Formula 1 car. “I wanted to get into the Guinness Book of Records. Currently, it’s a 79-year-old English woman who holds the record,” she told us. So, to beat her to it, the 80-year-old driver got her hands on a rather special machine. An Arrows BMW A8. “It belonged to Thierry Boutsen. It’s the real deal. It belongs to another Belgian, and he’s excited to lend it to me for this challenge.”
In Le Mans, with his 1974 Chevron.
This machine used in 1985 has a little something extra. It was sponsored by Christine Beckers’ husband’s company, Roger Dubos. The stickers are still on it. So, there is a little nod to my personal story, she smiles.
« After 200 meters, the car broke down. The ACO did things right by towing it to the correct location. But like any driver, I don’t like being towed »
Driving this Formula 1 car is the final part of his « triptych ». At the 24 Hours of Spa, she raced on the legendary Ardennes track with her brother James’s Alfa Romeo 2000GTV, with which he won the Coupe du Roi fifty years ago. « There too, it was a lot of work. It had to be brought to the circuit. The engine was overhauled… »
And in Le Mans, she fulfilled the first part of her dream. At least partly. A few months ago, she had contacted Pierre Fillon, the president of the Automobile Club de l’Ouest, to present him with her project. « He gave his approval on the condition that the Chevron I had driven here in 1974 be brought. » So it had to be found. After a little investigation, it was found. Once again, in Belgium. « My brother took care of it. »
In the History of sport in 1974
On the occasion of the 2024 edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Christine Beckers was supposed to drive a few kilometers for a demonstration, before stopping on the pit straight for an interview. But only the question-answer could take place. After 200 meters, the car broke down. The ACO did things right by towing it to the right location. But like any driver, I don’t like being towed, she laughs, looking back.
It is with this famous car, more suited for hill climbs or short track events, that the Belgian made history. She became the first woman to win in Sarthe with an all-female crew. It’s not a victory overall, but in my category.
A prestigious success that she was determined to achieve at all costs. « At the time, I told my husband that I wanted to put together a team composed only of girls. » She then teamed up with two other renowned drivers from the 1970s, Marie Laurent and Yvette Fontaine. « I had a lot of respect for Yvette. She was a renowned Belgian pilot. Marie, I really liked her. I proposed this challenge to her and to please me, she accepted. In the end, we had a very good race. »
Seeing an all-female crew is wonderful.
Fifty years after this triumph, another all-female crew is trying to replicate such feat. The Iron Dames, led by Sarah Bovy, are often considered as favorites every year in Sarthe. But the Iron Women are often struck by bad luck. However, this does not stop Christine Beckers from supporting the crew with all her might.
« I must be Sarah’s biggest fan (laughs). I know her well. She is actually the godmother of Sunday’s event. I try to watch her races as much as possible. And to see an all-female crew at such a high level is magnificent. Sarah manages communication perfectly. She plays an essential role in promoting women’s sports to show that women can drive as fast as men.
The 1974 edition is not the only adventure of the journalist by training in the Sarthe region. The first one, the previous year, Christine Beckers didn’t go very far. The engine of her Chevron B21/23 gave up the ghost after only nine laps. During her third commitment, in 1976, she joined the prestigious Inaltera team alongside Jean-Pierre Jaussaud and Jean Rondeau. Car number 2 finished quite far behind overall, but still made it on the GTP podium.
« It’s simple, she had two passions: mechanics and fishing. Like Jacques Laffite »
And then there was the 77 epic. The last one. This time with Lella Lombardi. They were the only two at the wheel of the Inaltera. I already found it frustrating enough to drive with just the two of us for 24 hours, so I didn’t want a third driver. Lella understood and accepted.
In the stands, all eyes were on this blue car with hints of pink. The crew looked sharp. A winner of the 24 Hours in their category and the only woman to have scored points in Formula 1. She was a true professional. She was very focused on mechanics. A real enthusiast. An incredible tuner. It’s simple, she had two passions: mechanics and fishing. Like Jacques Laffite.
But this last participation was marked by an adventure as frightening as it was improbable. In the straight line of the Hunaudières, the Belgian driver kept spinning. A series of piloting errors? Far from it. The problem was mechanical. The driver stopped at the edge of the track. And started looking for the damage. By chance, I realized it was the kill switch. I neutralized it. Today, carrying out repairs on the track would be unthinkable!
Forty years after her last races, the Belgian’s record is back in pole position. With an additional line stating « Guinness Book of Records », her resume would gain one more star. This would elevate her to the ranks of the greatest in history. But this great lady of motor sport, unfortunately unknown to the general public, already has her place there.
