Selected to drive at the Goodwood Festival of Speed (11-24 July) the 1974 winning Matra MS670B, a gem in the 24 Hours Museum’s permanent collection, four-time victor Emanuele Pirro spoke of his passion for the history of the Le Mans classic.
One week after resonating at the Bugatti circuit for Classic Days, the magnificent high-pitched sound of the Matra MS670 B 3L V12 from the 24 Hours Museum could be heard across the Channel at the Goodwood Festival of Speed. Who better than a previous Le Mans winner from the land of bel canto to take the wheel?
Italian driver Emanuele Pirro is a certified legend of the 24 Hours with five wins in the 2000s with Audi. He is always up for celebrating the iconic race through regular participations in the Le Mans Classic or driving one of the jewels of the 24 Hours Museum just a few days ago.
Emanuele Pirro: I first want to thank the 24 Hours Museum and the ACO as it is a huge privilege to be able to drive this car. It is a thrill for me and for the crowd watching it because it is very unique. I am passionate about automobile technology. I feel there are certain periods and certain cars where the technology is cutting-edge, and this Matra has aerodynamic technology which makes it very special. Its engine has also made its mark on history, as did my friend, Henri Pescarolo, and Gérard Larrousse, president of the drivers’ club.
Which car(s) stood out to you at the 24 Hours of Le Mans before you even took your rookie start?
I did my first 24 Hours of Le Mans very early on in my career, in 1981 (at the age of 19 in a Lancia Beta Montecarlo, Ed.), during my second season. My first dream cars at the race date back to 1970-1971 with the Porsche 917, the Ferrari 512 S and M, and the Ferrari 312 PB. Le Mans was special for the top speeds before the chicanes were installed (in the Mulsanne Straight, Ed.) and aerodynamic advancements have always fascinated me. Having said that, I don’t like to choose one era over another. It’s not just about technology, but also development and know-how, which have been crucial throughout the history of the 24 Hours.
Which other cars from the 24 Hours would you like to drive?
I’ve never had the chance to drive the 917 and that is something I’d love to do due to its historic value; and the Porsche 962 as well. I raced it in Japan in 1988.
Do you appreciate winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans more when you’re a student of its history?
That’s why the diesel engine’s first win (in 2006, with teammates Frank Biela and Marco Werner, Ed.) was so special. Audi took that technology to an extremely high level. Before that, everyone thought of big trucks when it came to diesel. It was a significant project for Audi and that’s what made it outstanding.
How does being part of the history of the 24 Hours inspire you today?
Honestly, it’s a strange thing for me because I was such a fan as a boy. I realise I’m part of its history, but I feel it differently. When I watch other drivers, and other cars, I see the entire history of the race through the lense of a die-hard enthusiast and that passion is still alive in me like when I was a kid. Driving a car like the Matra at a certain age (Pirro is now 62, Ed.), I try to live it like the drivers and engineers of the era in terms of preparation and the race. It must have been really incredible.
Just a few moments after this interview, Pirro slid into the cockpit of Pescarolo and Larrousse’s Matra MS670B for yet another unforgettable Le Mans experience.
PHOTOS (Copyright – Louis Monnier/ACO): GOODWOOD (U.K.), GOODWOOD FESTIVAL OF SPEED, 11-14 JULY 2024. Photos of Emanuele Pirro’s visit to the U.K. (from top to bottom): preparing with the Matra MS670B from the 24 Hours Museum; speaking with Jacky Ickx (at right) while signing autographs for young fans; taking on the legendary Festival of Speed climb.
