We’re pleased to welcome Valérie, to answer some of our question about marshall job.

When did you become track marshall?
I’ve start in july 2002 as track worker in the team 28 during the 25h fun cup, before that, i was helping the Vertigo team during the week-end.

And why did you become track marshall ?
Well, 2 years ago, when i was in the Vertigo team, i’ve meet Cath who was track worker, and as i was friend whith some of them, we start talking of what they were doing, and Cath just ask me if i would try this job.

Don’t we need a license ?
No, you’re a trainee for one year, with 6 six race minimal.
And after, in february, one time a year, you have to go to a formation.
You just have to be 18 years old to be track worker, and 25 years old to pass a license sa post co-chief, and after, as post chief.

Which races did you enjoyed the most ?
Well, it’s not easy, i like particurlary 24 hours races in fact.
It’s very tiring, but the atmosphere is cool, there are various races during the week-end, but this year, i appreciate the 1000 km of Spa.
It’s was a very cool week-end, as i meet some drivers during the race.

What is your effective job ?
Well, we divide the team in some small group, and we turn over between the team, there is a team for the flags, one on the opposite side of the track, and another one standing for an intervention.
The different group turn over at each race, or every hour or ½ hour. As we don’t have an exclusive work, we can use the flag, make an intervention, cleaning the oil on the track and this kind of stuff.

Do you think about the accident when you’re at work ?
No, but if a co-worker have an accident in front of me, i couldn’t do this job again. But, we have already been in danger, and we have to say to some of the driver who were too fast during yellow flag, that it was not acceptable and they make our lives in danger, it could have already finished bad.

During the 2001 Australian GP, a marshall was fatally injured by a flying wheel, how do you feel about that ?
Well, it was very sad, but i think that diyng for his passion is beautifull, event if it’s too early.
I wasn’t a track worker at this time, but we’re talking about accident and security.

Do you feel drivers are thanksfull to your work ?
Yes, they thanks us, they make signs to us during their lap to returning to the stands. And this year, i ask to some drivers to write a littre word for all the track worker team, and some of their words were very pleasant.
But there is still some angry driver...

Do you knows some of the drivers ?
Well, i have some drivers who are my friends, but i’ve meet them on the track and we’re talking each other some times.
I don’t see them outside the tack, or at RACB (Royale Autombile Club de Belgique) for exemple.

If yes, whose of them do you meet ?
Oh, a lot ! Some of them are only know in Belgium, but at race i’ve meet a lot of drivers.

Whose of them did you appreciate ?
Well, what a question ! For the well-know driver, it’s Jarno Trulli who was very nice with me. I’ve some Belgium drivers who are friends of me. But i’ve meet a lot of drivers, some were nice, some not...

Any stories for us ?
They are numerous. What kind of storie ? there are rumour who say that if you want to be invisible in the paddocks, don’t stay with me :D (i don’t know why)

Do you think to be a marshall for a long time ?
I hope to be still here in some year.

Which track do you prefer ?
I’m a marshall only in Francorchamps and Zolder, and i’ve only seen the Montreal track until now. But Francorchamps is my favorite, when i’m there, i forget all my trouble and i feel good. I love this place, even if you have to walk a lot.

Last question. Any advices to give us to do the same job ?
Not really, if you’re fascinated, you will love the work. But you will don’t do that for money, you don’t have to hate cold weather, the dust, few sleeping, rain, ...
The passion need to be there . There is no advices to give, but as Jacky Ickx told me : “don’t take useless risk”