Volker Weidler

Volker Weidler (born 18 March 1962) is a German former racing driver who achieved his greatest success in sports car racing, most notably winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1991. Born in Heidelberg, Germany, Weidler made a single Formula One World Championship start at the 1989 Brazilian Grand Prix, driving for the Rial team. He qualified 26th and finished 13th in the race, four laps down on the winner. This represented his only Formula One appearance, though he tested for various teams during the late 1980s and early 1990s seeking additional opportunities that never materialized.

Weidler's career highlight came at the 1991 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he won the legendary endurance race driving a Mazda 787B, sharing the car with Johnny Herbert and Bertrand Gachot. This victory was historic as it marked the only time a Japanese manufacturer and a rotary engine have won Le Mans, and remains one of the most celebrated underdog victories in the race's history. Weidler, along with his co-drivers, defeated the favored Mercedes and Jaguar teams in challenging wet conditions. Beyond Le Mans, Weidler competed extensively in sports car racing throughout the late 1980s and 1990s, racing for manufacturers including Mercedes-Benz, Porsche, and Mazda in the World Sportscar Championship and other series.

He achieved multiple podium finishes and victories in endurance racing, establishing himself as a reliable and quick endurance driver. Weidler also competed in German national racing series and various sports car championships in Europe and Japan. After retiring from professional racing, he remained involved in motorsport through historic racing and occasional appearances at Le Mans Classic and other vintage events, often reuniting with the famous Mazda 787B. His Le Mans victory ensures his place in endurance racing history, and he remains a respected figure in the sports car racing community.