Press release
Blancpain completed a highly-successful weekend of race and VIP activities at the Nürburgring for the fifth round of the Blancpain Endurance Series in Germany. The Manufacture, title sponsor and official timekeeper of the series where its President & CEO Marc A. Hayek is driving, welcomed over hundred VIP guests in the spirit of precision and reliability.
Blancpain Endurances Series has grown to become the premier GT racing endurance championship and shows a tremendous success with about 50 cars. Among the special guests and drivers of the weekend was the nine-time motorcycle world champion Valentino Rossi. The Italian, known as “El Dottore”, had a friendly chat with competitor Marc A. Hayek after the qualifying test on Saturday.
Stephane Ratel, Alain Delamuraz, Valentino Rossi and Marc A. Hayek © Blancpain
Among the several actvities where shared values are precision, reliability and passion for nice mechanics, Blancpain proposed test where the guests could experience different test drives, either through a simulating programme but also in Lamborghini cars thanks to a drive Academy. There was also a rare chance to go on the grid walk and visit the garage of the Blancpain Reiter team to witness the team's precision-like pit stops and a visit to the time keeping control room.
Marc A. Hayek © Blancpain
To further share a further passion and as unique experience for celebrities such as Valentino Rossi and Erol Sander, Blancpain organised also a lap of the famous Nordschleife circuit – the citadel of endurance race tracks – at the wheel of a Lamborghini Gallardo. This 14-mile ribbon of tarmac running through Eifel mountains is known as “The Green Hell” due to its complexity.
About Blancpain:
Over 275 years of tradition in motion
Founded in 1735 by Jehan-Jacques Blancpain, the watch brand bearing is name is the oldest in the world. Blancpain is currently engaged in a long-term commitment to the renewal of mechanical watchmaking and to passing on exceptional expertise from one generation to the next through constant investment in human resources, production facilities and research. From the creation of components through to watch design, Blancpain is distinguished by its ability to develop exceptional movements. Over the past seven years, the Manufacture in Le Brassus has indeed developed no less than 22 new calibres.
Through its various models, Blancpain preserves its heritage of precision and elegance, while also displaying an innovative and occasionally provocative spirit. Its range encompasses the daring L-evolution line, the legendary Fifty Fathoms diver's watch, as well as the classic Villeret collection and the Blancpain Women models.
The sports enthusiasts' watch:
Chronographe Flyback à Rattrapante Grande Date
While remaining loyal to its fundamental values, Blancpain quite naturally associates with the world of fine automotive mechanical engineering, since the key values of precision, reliability and sturdiness are required and shared by both cars and watches.
The bezel, caseback, dial and even the cap of the folding clasp are all made of carbon fibre and represent technical accomplishments vividly reflecting Blancpain's innovative strength. To highlight the sporting nature of the new L-evolutionR, a digital font displays the large date as well as the 3 and 9 o'clock numerals, while the shape of the pushpiece at 8 o'clock resembles a fuel tank cap.
When the chronograph is in action, the movement with its column wheel and vertical coupling-clutch ensures excellent precision. Two major horological complications offer additionally useful functions: the split-second chronograph enables a split-time read-off, while the flyback function serves to instantly reset and restart the chronograph.
The black alcanatara strap is equipped with carbon fibre inserts evoking the latest technological evolutions in racing car design.
Blancpain and motorsports
Blancpain Endurance Series: Official timekeeper and main sponsor of the championship since 2011.
This new international series represents a return to the various essence of GT Racing. The events, consisting of three-hour races, take place on various European tracks. This multibrand series features the most iconic sports cars, and is intended to enable teams and drivers to enjoy a friendly ambience while maintaining a professional atmosphere.
