Spanish · Sabadell, Spain · Born 29 March 1974Marc Gené is a Spanish former Formula 1 driver and longtime Ferrari test driver who became the first Spaniard to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, with Peugeot in 2009.
Marc Gené became the first Spaniard ever to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, taking victory in 2009 with Peugeot, having previously scored Minardi's first championship point since 1995 with sixth place at the 1999 European Grand Prix in only his rookie Formula 1 season. He progressed through Spanish and international junior single-seater categories, winning the FISA Superformula Cup in 1996 and the Open Fortuna by Nissan championship in 1998, which earned him a Formula 1 seat with Minardi for 1999. Gené's rookie season delivered Minardi's first championship point since 1995, finishing sixth at the chaotic 1999 European Grand Prix. He remained with the team in 2000 without scoring further points, and with no race seat available for 2001, joined Williams as a test driver, standing in for the injured Ralf Schumacher at the 2003 Italian Grand Prix and finishing a strong fifth. He moved to Ferrari as test and reserve driver in 2005, a role he held alongside Luca Badoer for several years, briefly returning to a race seat in 2009 for the Spanish Grand Prix. Gené transitioned into endurance racing in 2007, joining Peugeot's new LMP1 programme, and achieved the pinnacle of his career in 2009, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright, becoming the first Spaniard ever to do so. He later drove for Audi, finishing runner-up at Le Mans in 2014, and continued in sports car racing for several more years while remaining Ferrari's brand ambassador and a prominent Formula 1 commentator for Sky Sports Italia. His older brother Jordi Gené is also a professional racing driver, competing in touring cars.
Becoming the first Spaniard to win the 24 Hours of Le Mans outright
How They Played
Technically sharp, adaptable driver excelling in both single-seater development and endurance racing
Lasting Impact
One of Spain's most versatile racing drivers, respected as a highly capable test driver and later a leading Formula 1 broadcaster
Career Honours
- 24 Hours of Le Mans overall winner (2009), first Spaniard to do so
- Scored Minardi's first point since 1995 (1999 European Grand Prix)
- 10+ years as a Ferrari and Williams test driver
- 24 Hours of Le Mans runner-up (2014, Audi)
| Constructor | Season(s) | Races |
|---|---|---|
| Minardi | 1999–2000 | — |
| Williams | 2001–2004 | — |
| Ferrari | 2005–2013 | — |
| Career Total | — | 0 |
Spanish Athletes