Jules Bianchi Marathon Karting: Over 50,000 euros collected for the association

From October 2-4, 2026, the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon made its return to the Paul Ricard circuit for its 11^th edition. Drivers took turns for over 42 hours in a sporting challenge and tribute to the late driver, in faster karts than in previous years. A beautiful event that raised 50,000 euros for the Jules Bianchi Association. Now turning attention to a new competition, the Premier Volant Jules Bianchi.

As usual, the start of the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon was given Friday evening at 7:41 PM. For the 35 competing teams, the challenge was simple: to cover the maximum distance by taking turns, day and night.

After 42 hours 19 minutes and 50 seconds of uninterrupted racing, the checkered flag fell on Sunday, October 4 on the Paul Ricard Circuit, and it was team number 42 Eiriz Pro, led by comedian and actor Arnaud Tsamère, that won the 260 kg category.

In the other category, 285 kg, it was team number 8 Pegasus that took the victory. As in previous years, Philippe Bianchi and Franck Lagorce presented a check for over 50,000 euros to the Jules Bianchi Association on the podium, for the benefit of L’Archet hospital in Nice.

This year, the teams discovered new machines: Sodi 390 cc RT 10 Easy Drive, replacing the 270 cc from previous editions, for a top speed of approximately 110 km/h compared to 90 km/h previously.

Putting passion at the service of a worthy cause

This year’s grid brought together nearly 350 drivers. Amateurs, licensed drivers and personalities shared the track in a particularly moving atmosphere. Among them were personalities outside the world of motorsport, such as Arnaud Tsamère, Henri Leconte, Mayel Elhajaoui and Christophe Josse.

Other names, regulars in motorsports, were also present. This was the case of young Doriane Pin, French driver involved in the Mercedes Formula 1 program, who was experiencing the event for the first time: “Jules Bianchi made an impact on motorsport, he was incredibly talented, hyper inspiring, especially for us French. Beyond being a tribute, it’s also a charitable event and that’s really important to me. Knowing that all of this will have an impact on society, on research, at hospitals, makes it all the more beautiful.”

Each year, the Marathon gives a check for over 50,000 euros to the Jules Bianchi Association which supports research on severe brain injuries, finances medical equipment for L’Archet hospital in Nice, and supports the families of patients. The presentation of the check, Sunday on the podium, once again constituted the strongest moment of the weekend, the one that gives the race its true meaning.

For Philippe Bianchi, Jules Bianchi’s father and co-founder of the event: “this check is made possible by the 42 hours of all the teams. Every relay, every night lap counts for L’Archet’s patients. That’s why Jules is present in every edition.”

Looking ahead to 2027: the Premier Volant Jules Bianchi

From this Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon is born a new event, the Premier Volant Jules Bianchi. From November 3-6, 2026, 30 young unlicensed drivers will experience four days of immersion with cars and on a circuit kept secret until now.

This trophy is designed to honor the values that defined Jules Bianchi on and off the track: talent, courage, determination and passion for self-improvement. For four days, candidates will face real training conditions, coached by racing professionals.

The objective is simple: to allow a young champion to join a professional racing team. The grand winner of this Premier Volant Jules Bianchi will join the Bianchi Lagorce Racing Team for a full 2027 season in Funyo Sprint Cup. The program is supported by the Jules Bianchi Association and by Richard Mille, a historic partner.

The organizers took advantage of the echo of this Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon to reveal the car that will be used, and it is a Funyo SP05.