His career goes from dominating the karting world and Formula One to his iconic role with Bugatti and setting world records.
Pierre-Henri Raphanel’s passion for speed and performance started long before his association with Bugatti. It began at the age of 13, with go-karting competitions. His exceptional talent was evident as he quickly dominated the karting scene, grabbing victories like the French Championship and ranking in the Top 6 of the World Championship. Unwavering family support ensured that his early racing days were memorable adventures, spanning across the scenic landscapes of France.
But Pierre-Henri’s thirst for speed was insatiable. From karting, he ascended to higher motorsports platforms like Formula Renault, Formula 3000, and Formula 3, ultimately clinching the revered position in the world of Formula One. Racing around the Monte Carlo circuit for the iconic Monaco Grand Prix in 1989 was a defining moment. The world’s most elite motorsport had embraced him.
The call of endurance racing beckoned next. With 14 attempts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, Pierre-Henri’s skill shone as he secured three podiums and a class win. This shift from the electric pace of Formula One to the strategic world of endurance racing exhibited his adaptability and vast skill set.
A new challenge emerged in the early 2000s, signaling a transition from racing. An unexpected call from Thomas Bscher, Bugatti’s President at the time, marked the beginning of an exciting chapter in Pierre-Henri’s life. It was an invitation to Molsheim, where he would lay his eyes on what would be Bugatti’s modern-day marvel, the Veyron. Today, it’s remembered as the hypercar that changed the world with unfathomable performance and groundbreaking engineering. Pierre-Henri was spellbound, spending seven hours seated inside, captivated by its allure. This enchantment led to his selection as Bugatti’s first and only Pilote Officiel, a role that was a testament to his unmatched expertise and passion for cars.
Bugatti ventured into uncharted territories of speed and performance with the Veyron in 2005. Christophe Piochon, President of Bugatti Automobiles, emphasized the need for an ambassador who could portray the engineering marvels, and the story of Bugatti, with fervor. Pierre-Henri was the ideal choice. His understanding of the Veyron and the Bugatti vision was impeccable, and he has continued to be the perfect brand ambassador for over 18 years.
This association peaked in July 2010 when Pierre-Henri drove the Bugatti Veyron Super Sport to a staggering speed of 268 mph, cementing both his and Bugatti’s names in history. His relationship with Bugatti, characterized by mutual respect and admiration, encapsulates the ethos of the brand – combining performance with luxury, agility with power, and a rich legacy with modern innovation.
Pierre-Henri’s tenure with Bugatti saw another legend, Andy Wallace, join as the second Pilote Officiel in 2011. However, his commitment remains unwavering. Every drive, every journey with a Bugatti is a memory, a testament to the brand’s excellence. Looking ahead, Pierre-Henri envisions a future filled with unparalleled adventures, continuing to live his dream with Bugatti.
Image Source: Bugatti
