Former Manchester United and France goalkeeper Fabien Barthez has added another sporting accolade to his name, winning the FFSA GT Championship racing series in France. The 42-year-old, who retired from football in 2006, competed alongside co-driver Morgan Moulin-Traffort to secure the title.
Barthez and Moulin-Traffort finished fifth and eighth in the final two races in Marseille, enough to clinch the championship. Over the season, they achieved two wins and four podium finishes, denying reigning champion Anthony Beltoise a third consecutive title.
Barthez expressed his long-standing fascination with motorsport, saying: 'I have always been fascinated by motorsport, even when I was playing football. It always intrigued me. I wanted to understand what it felt like being in a car. I had to wait until the end of my pro career to try it.' He noted that unlike football, racing allows for success at an older age.
Barthez played for Manchester United from 2000 to 2004, making over 100 appearances and winning two Premier League titles. He also helped France win the 1998 World Cup and the European Championships in 2000. After leaving United in January 2004, he returned to Marseille and retired in 2006 following a season at Nantes.
