A quiet character, Marc Gené is nevertheless well loved in the paddocks. Arriveing in F1 with Minardi (the former name of Toro Rosso) at the start of the 1999 season, the Spaniard never had the chance to show his talent in a competitive car. He did. however, never lose contact with F1 and he has served as test driver for Ferrari since 2004. In 2007, he  also started a second career when he joined the ranks of Peugeot Sport at the beginning of their"Endurance" programme. Winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans 2009 with David Brabham and Alexander Wurz, he had the intuition to join the rival Audi team in 2012, just before the announcement of the withdrawal of his former employer. At the age of 39, he was in June on the podium at the Sarthe.

Born?
March 29, 1974 in Sabadell (Catalonia, Spain).

Nickname?
Catalan rocket.

Childhood dream?
Being an F1 driver.

Most proud of?
My victory at Le Mans in 2009.

Biggest regret?
None.

A Quality?
Optimism.

And ... a fault?
Stubborness.

Music pre-race?
U2.

A book?
"The Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett.

A movie?
"The Untouchables" Elliot Ness with Robert De Niro, Kevin Costner and Sean Connery.

A favourite dish?
Pasta al pomodoro (tomato, basil).

A hobby?
Pony Trekking.

Next holiday destination?
On the Costa Brava.

Personality you like to meet?
Nelson Mandela.

Athlete who inspires you?
Roger Federer.

Preferred road car?
The Audi RS 4.

Favourite track?
Spa-Francorchamps.

How do you see yourself in 10 years?
No idea!

First 24 Hours of Le Mans?
In 2007 (with Peugeot).

Favourite part of the circuit?
The Indianapolis corner.

Favourite moment?
The last lap.

Best memory?
Being on the podium after the victory in 2009.

A historic car?
The Porsche 962.

A former winner as crew?
Alex Wurz.

Julien HERGAULT /ACO - Translated by Tony Light/ACO