Le Mans is an extraordinary race, and to conquer it takes an extraordinary mix of abilities. Physical fitness and stamina, high levels of concentration, often during dramatically changing conditions. And, nowadays, real ten-tenths speed, day and night, hour after hour.

Thus, to win Le Mans even once is a signal achievement. To win it eight times [nine after 2013] indicates a truly exceptional talent. Only Tom Kristensen has done this. In 1997 he was an F3000 driver, leading the European championship and knocking on the door of F1, when at a few days’ notice he was summoned to Le Mans for the first time. Having never sat in the car before, he won, and set a record fastest lap during the night.

Tom was born in the small northern town of Hobro, in a flat over his father’s garage business. Today, every inch the professional racer, he lives in Monaco. But to relax he likes to spend time with his young family in his holiday house on the North Jutland coast at Skagen. We meet there, and lunch is at the 100-year-old Ruth’s Hotel, a stone’s throw from the sea.