An, as always, engaging chat with FIA WEC, ELMS and Asian Le Mans Series Race Director Eduardo Freitas at Spa on Sunday revealed the nugget of information that today, 24 September, sees his 40th anniversary as a race official.

“I first started ‘crossed the fence’ as a marshal helping to clear away a kart circuit at Estoril on 24 September 1979 and I’ve been involved ever since!”

He has indeed – with an astonishing number of events and Championships worldwide having had the benefit of his wisdom and direction.

After serving as a marshal, including at the Le Mans 24 Hours (in fact he was back on post at the Le Mans Classic last year with his friend and colleague Rui Marques – above!) Eduardo trained and has served as a Race Director for almost 20 years with his cv now including the following:

As FIA Race Director

FIA GT Championship (2002 to 2005 and 2013).

FIA European Touring Car Championship (2002 to 2004).

FIA European Touring Car Cup (2005 to 2011).

FIA World Touring Car Championship (2005 to 2009 with a total of 112 races).

FIA GT1 World (2010 and 2011).

FIA GT3 European Championship (2010 and 2011).

Macau F3 FIA Intercontinental Cup (2008 and 2010).

FIA World Endurance Championship 2012, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18/19 Super Season.

24 Hours of Le Mans 2012, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18 (as part of the FIA WEC calendar).

Race Director:

International Formula Masters (2007 to 2009).

Blancpain Endurance Series (2011 and 2012).

Total 24 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps (2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012).

European Le Mans Series (ELMS) 2012, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18 and 19

Asian Le Mans Series 2015/16 and 2016/17, 17/18 and 18/19.

Asian Le Mans GT Sprint Cup 2016 and 17/18.

Le Mans Classic 2012 and 2014.

FFSA GT Tour Imola 2013.

The image below is one of Mark Patterson’s infamous caricatures and a prized memento for Eduardo himself!

Thanks for the service so far Eduardo, and please don’t plan on retiring any time soon!