A DATE WITH LECLERC

There’s been a lot of buzz recently about the resurfacing in social media of the film created in August 1976 by French film maker Claude Lelouch.

The 8 minute short which features a break-neck drive through Paris in what was rumoured to be a Ferrari 275GTB was filmed using the same equipment used by John Frankenheimer for his 1966 blockbuster movie Grand Prix. Filmed in the early morning, it shows the car driving through red lights, and dodging traffic and pedestrians, reaching speeds of over 160 mph. Lelouch claims he drove the car himself, but many rumours have circulated that the pilot was a then Formula1 driver and close friend of the film maker.  To this day who actually drove the car remains a secret, and with good reason. As it was an unauthorised dash through the streets of Paris, no roads were closed and when the film went public Lelouch was arrested and his licence confiscated. The film was subsequently banned and only resurfaced on DVD in 2003.

So whats all the latest fuss about? Well it has been reported this week that Charles Leclerc has been approached to recreate the infamous 8 minute sprint called “C’était un rendezvous” (“It was a date”), this time around the streets of Monaco and under slightly more controlled circumstances. According to the French press, Claude Lelouch will again take on directing duties, with the roads of Monaco closed to the public on Sunday morning to allow Leclerc to take the starring role! Who will take on the role as the girlfriend he’s speeding to meet remains a mystery.

Monaco authorities have confirmed that roads will be closed to motorised and pedestrian traffic between 6.45am and 9am on the day that would have originally featured the Formula1 showpiece race.

JDC is looking forward to welcoming everyone back to Formula1 in 2021 for what is expected to be a very exciting and closely run season. If you’d like to experience all the glamour of the 2021 Monaco Grand Prix, including qualifying and the race from the comfort of the JDC Yacht moored along side the circuit, then take a look at our Monaco Grand Prix Yacht Hospitality packages or contact JDC Promotions and let us build a bespoke package for you and your guests.