Soheil Ayari, French race car driver

Soheil Ayari, born on April 5, 1970, in the picturesque town of Aix-les-Bains, Savoie, is a distinguished French-Iranian race car driver whose career spans multiple disciplines and over two decades of high-level competition. With an Iranian father and a French mother, Ayari embodies a diverse heritage, which perhaps contributes to his adaptable and enduring presence in the demanding world of motorsport. Known for his versatility and consistent performance, Ayari has carved out a remarkable legacy, from single-seater triumphs to endurance racing glory and beyond.

The Early Years: Forging a Champion in Single-Seaters

Ayari's ascent in motorsport began with a strong foundation in single-seater racing, a traditional pathway for aspiring Formula 1 drivers. His raw talent quickly became apparent, leading to significant early successes. In 1994, he clinched the French Formula Ford championship, a crucial proving ground that showcases emerging talent. This was followed by another remarkable achievement in 1996, when he secured the coveted French Formula Three championship, further cementing his reputation as a formidable young driver. A particular highlight of this era was his victory at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 1997, an internationally renowned Formula Three race often considered a strong indicator of future motorsport stars. Between 1997 and 2000, Ayari progressed to Formula 3000, which was then the direct feeder series to Formula 1. During his tenure, he demonstrated his enduring pace and racecraft by securing two impressive victories against a highly competitive field.

Dominance in Touring and GT Racing

Following his successful stint in single-seaters, Soheil Ayari transitioned his formidable skills to the world of touring and grand touring (GT) car racing, where he achieved even greater sustained success. In 2001, he joined the competitive French Supertouring Championship, quickly making his mark. His prowess in this series was undeniable, as he went on to win the championship title an impressive three times: in 2002, 2004, and 2005. This period firmly established him as one of France's leading touring car drivers. From 2006 to 2007, Ayari embarked on a new challenge in the GT Championship, competing in the powerful GT1 category for Team Oreca, piloting a Saleen S7-R. This move proved equally fruitful, as he claimed the French GT championship title in both 2006 and 2007. The peak of his GT success during this period came in 2007, when he partnered with Stéphane Ortelli to win the highly competitive European Le Mans Series championship, showcasing his adaptability to endurance racing formats. His journey continued in 2008 and 2009, driving a Corvette GT1 in the French GT3 championship, before he joined the renowned Audi ORECA Team in 2010. The year 2011 was particularly remarkable, as Ayari celebrated victories in two significant championships: the Intercontinental Le Mans Cup (ILMC) in the LMP2 category with Signatech Nissan, and the International Open GT series driving a JMB Ferrari F458 GT2, underscoring his extraordinary versatility across different classes of sports car racing.

Le Mans Legend: Conquering the Iconic 24 Hours

Perhaps one of the most defining chapters of Soheil Ayari's illustrious career is his extensive and successful participation in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. A race steeped in history and considered one of motorsport's ultimate endurance challenges, Le Mans has seen Ayari compete 11 times across various highly competitive categories, including GT1, LMP1, and LMP2. His consistent performance at this gruelling event highlights his exceptional stamina, speed, and strategic acumen. Among his notable achievements at Le Mans are two impressive 4th place overall finishes: first in 2004 with the iconic Pescarolo team, and again in 2010 driving an ORECA 01. He also secured a 5th place overall finish in 2009, once more with ORECA. A particularly strong showing came in 2011, where he achieved a superb 2nd place in the LMP2 class with Signatech Nissan, adding another significant accolade to his endurance racing resumé. These results underscore his ability to perform at the highest level in one of the world's toughest motor races, solidifying his reputation as a true Le Mans veteran and an extremely capable endurance driver.

A Continued Presence in Motorsport

Even after his most intense years of championship racing, Soheil Ayari has remained deeply involved in the motorsport world, continuing to demonstrate his passion and expertise. In 2014, he competed in the European Le Mans Series, maintaining his connection with top-tier endurance racing. His focus then shifted back to national GT racing, participating in the French GT Championship in both 2015 and 2016. In 2017, he made a move to the GT4 European Southern Cup, showcasing his adaptability to evolving GT categories, before returning to the French GT series in 2018. Beyond his active racing commitments, Ayari also shares his extensive knowledge and experience through his work as a journalist, specializing in track tests, where he provides insightful analyses of various performance vehicles. Additionally, he frequently participates in historic racing events, allowing him to reconnect with classic machinery and continue to enjoy the pure thrill of competition, cementing his multifaceted identity within the motorsport community.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Soheil Ayari's nationality and where was he born?
Soheil Ayari is French-Iranian, born in Aix-les-Bains, Savoie, France.
Which major single-seater championships did Soheil Ayari win early in his career?
He won the French Formula Ford championship in 1994 and the French Formula Three championship in 1996, in addition to the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 1997.
How many times did Soheil Ayari win the French Supertouring Championship?
He became French Supertouring champion three times: in 2002, 2004, and 2005.
What are his best results at the 24 Hours of Le Mans?
His best overall finishes include 4th place in 2004 and 2010, and 5th place in 2009. He also achieved a 2nd place in the LMP2 class in 2011.
What are Soheil Ayari's roles in motorsport outside of professional racing?
He works as a journalist, specializing in track tests, and also participates in historic racing events.
Which significant international endurance championships did he win in 2007 and 2011?
He won the European Le Mans Series championship in 2007 with Stéphane Ortelli and the ILMC LMP2 championship in 2011 with Signatech Nissan, alongside the International Open GT championship in the same year.