Monaco team returns to Jules Bianchi marathon to support brain injury patients

MyCrown Collection and YellowKorner Monte Carlo are teaming up again for the Jules Bianchi Karting Marathon at Circuit Paul Ricard this weekend, returning after winning their category in 2025 to support people living with severe brain injuries.

Running from 2nd to 4th October in Le Castellet, the charity event challenges teams to complete 42 hours, 19 minutes and 50 seconds of continuous racing. Now in its 11th edition, the marathon raises funds for the Jules Bianchi Association, established by the late Formula 1 driver’s family.

Returning after a winning performance

The Monaco partners have a strong result to build on. Listed as ‘MY CROWN – YELLOW CORNER’ in last year’s results, their team won the 245kg Corporate category after completing 2,283 laps, three ahead of the second-placed crew.

Their return combines another endurance challenge with fundraising for the association, with MyCrown Collection encouraging supporters to contribute through the event’s website.

More than 42 hours on track

The marathon’s unusual duration translates the traditional running marathon distance of 42.195 kilometres into time: 42 hours, 19 minutes and 50 seconds.

The race is scheduled to start on Friday evening and finish at 2pm on Sunday, followed by the podium ceremony at 2.30pm. Teams will race through two nights before reaching the chequered flag.

Supporting patients and families

The Jules Bianchi Association was founded in 2015, following the driver’s death from injuries sustained at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix.

Its work supports people with severe brain injuries through medical research, specialist equipment and assistance for families. It also supports the care service at Nice’s l’Archet hospital that looked after Bianchi during the final months of his life.

Last year’s marathon brought together 35 teams and raised €50,000 for the association to support l’Archet hospital, according to the organisers.

A close connection to Monaco

Bianchi’s legacy has particular resonance in Monaco. The Nice-born driver was Charles Leclerc’s godfather and mentor, helping the future Ferrari driver during his karting years. His best Formula 1 result also came in the Principality, where ninth place at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix earned his and Marussia’s first championship points.

Leclerc is patron of the association, continuing that connection through its fundraising work. Supporters can find information about the race and access the donation link on the Bianchi Lagorce Events website.

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Photo credit: Morgan Mathurin

Valentin Vacherot fights back to defeat Tsitsipas in Tokyo

Monaco’s Valentin Vacherot continues his successful run in Tokyo, producing a comeback victory over former world No. 3 Stefanos Tsitsipas on Friday, battling from a set down to secure his place in the quarterfinals of the Japan Open.

This victory over the Greek came 4-6, 7-6 (5), 6-4, continuing his run after defeating Alexander Blockx in his previous match. Tsitsipas took early control of the match, breaking Vacherot in the opening set to finish 6-4. The second set brought further challenges as Vacherot fell a break behind as Tsitsipas looked to secure a victory in the opening two sets.

Vacherot proved he would not go down without a fight as he recovered, forcing the set into a tiebreak. With the possibility of elimination on the line, Vacherot remained composed, taking the tiebreak 7-5 and forcing a deciding third set.

By the final set, Vacherot found his momentum, securing a decisive break to move ahead 3-2. Although Tsitsipas remained within reach throughout, Vacherot protected his lead to complete the comeback with a 6-4 final set.

Statistically speaking, the match proved competitive between the two players. Vacherot delivered seven aces compared to Tsitsipas’ nine, while both converted two break points. When his opportunities came, Vacherot proved his effectiveness, converting two of five break points compared to Tsitsipas’ two from eight.

FILS AWAITS IN THE QUARTERFINALS

This encounter marked the first meeting between the two and Vacherot’s first victory over the Greek, sending him into the final eight remaining in Tokyo. Vacherot will now face France’s Arthur Fils in the quarterfinals.

In their only previous match, a closely contested three-set battle ended in victory for Fils in Miami. Vacherot will now look to even the score and secure victory over the world No.9 to earn a place in the semifinals.

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Photo credit: Luke Entwistle, Monaco Life