New Formula One boss Chase Carey has been named the official starter for this year's Le Mans 24 Hours in a move seen as "demonstrating new ties forged" between different series.
After Nico Hulkenberg was able to combine his regular schedule with Le Mans in 2015 and win the event, F1's 2016 calendar saw the new Grand Prix of Europe in Azerbaijan clash with the following year's edition. Unlike former F1 boss Bernie Ecclestone, Liberty Media has made it clear it is open to greater co-operation with other international series, including avoiding calendar clashes where possible.
In a gesture aimed at marking the new era of F1 under Liberty Media, Carey, who replaced Ecclestone at the start of 2017, will wave the chequered flag at the event-- an honour given to Hollywood actor Brad Pitt last year.