Paul FRERE

(1917-2008), a Belgian driver

Defining himself as a professional automobile journalist and an amateur racer, Paul Frère is one of the great names in 20th century motorsport.

As the son of a successful banker, his debuts were put on hold due to opposition from his parents. With an engineering degree to his name, the Second World War forced him into exile in France, where he became a mechanic in the Dordogne. In 1946 he participated in his very first competitions: motorcycle races., under the pseudonym of "Frépau", to rebel against the refusal of his parents.

Paul embarked on a brilliant racing career in 1948 for prestigious models such as Aston Martin, Jaguar and Ferrari. He won several Grand Prix races, including that at Spa (Belgium) in 1955 and 1960.

He achieved the biggest feat of his record in 1960: a victory at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

He was faithful to a promise he made to his wife, and decided that this victory will be synonymous with his final participation in the event.

Paul Frère however can hold both the pen and the steering wheel.

On the initiative of Jean Graton, the inventor of Michel Vaillant, the weekly column "Paul Frère talks to you about automobiles" was published in Tintin magazine from 1955 onwards. Very richly illustrated by Graton, all subjects – from the portrait of racing drivers to technical or practical advice – are covered and made accessible to readers of the “journal for young people aged 7 to 77”.

The Salon d'honneur on the 5th floor of the sports section of the Le Mans circuit was renamed Salon Paul Frère in 2008.