Nice, August 30th 1951. While the competitors prepare for the start of the first post-war Tour de France Automobile, one car in particular stands out. Amid Ferrari, Jaguar, Lancia, Panhard, Porsche and other Simca models adapted to and prepared for this kind of rally, is a modest Citroën 2 CV type A. Motorized with a valiant 375 cc bi-cylinder engine, it will take on the 5240 kilometres faced with competitors boasting cubic capacities of up to 4,6 litres.

‘A champion for an exceptional car' could be the title of this information which will delight all motor sports lovers! The Tour Auto Optic 2ooo boasts a last minute competitor; racing driver Kenny Bräck. Despite brilliant debuts in European competitions the Swede is not very well known in Europe: the 1996 International F3000 Vice-champion did F1 test drives for Williams, Ligier and Arrows...

The Tour Auto Optic 2ooo has rarely welcomed so many ex. F1 racing drivers. This year, three of the French public's best known drivers will take the start: Jacques Laffite (176 grand prix and six victories), Olivier Panis (158 grand prix and one victory) and Erik Comas (59 grand prix).

For several years now, Laffite has been sharing his in-depth F1 knowledge with the three million TV viewers (on average) who follow the live broadcasts of the F1 GPs. Panis, on the other hand, has decided to put his experience at the service of young racing drivers by acting as their agent. He looks after Charles Pic from the Rhône-Alpes department who, after a promising first season with the Marussia team in 2012, will continue in Formula 1 with Caterham in 2013.

is pleased to welcome two new partners:

- The Edmond de Rothschild Group

- The Swiss watch manufacturer Hublot

Two prestigious groups that personify excellence in their respective fields who confirm the appeal of the Tour Auto Optic 2ooo.

The Edmond de Rothschild Group has made its name as one of the major players in European finance specializing in the private banking sector and asset management. Its family shareholders give it total independence for its private and company clients.[...]