Tamil Nadu CM Vijay flags off Le Mans Cup race featuring Ajith Kumar at Silverstone

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay waves the ceremonial green flag to start the Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Silverstone. | Photo Credit: FIAWEC Live

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay flagged off the Le Mans Cup race at the Silverstone Circuit in the United Kingdom on Saturday, with Indian actor and racer Ajith Kumar among the drivers competing in the fifth round of the 2026 championship.

Watch Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay flag off Le Mans Cup in Silverstone

Watch Chief Minister C Joseph Vijay flag off Le Mans Cup in Silverstone | Video Credit: FIAWEC Live

Vijay, who attended the event as a special guest, waved the ceremonial green flag to start the two-hour race. The Le Mans Cup had earlier announced that the Chief Minister would officially start the Silverstone round and support the Indian drivers competing in the event.

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Ajith competed in the No. 16 Ajith RedAnt by Virage Ligier JS P325 alongside French driver Romain Vozniak in the LMP3 Pro/Am category. The pair qualified eighth in its class after recording a best lap of 2:04.568 during Saturday’s qualifying session.

Vijay’s visit to Silverstone also comes during his first official overseas visit as Chief Minister. His UK itinerary includes studying international practices connected with motorsport infrastructure as Tamil Nadu moves ahead with plans for a Motor Sports City.