ROAD TO LE MANS: Michael Fassbender's ambitions of tackling the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans Race will take a step closer this weekend. Photo: Porsche Media Services.

By Sean Moriarty

Local Hollywood A-lister Michael Fassbender’s dream of taking part in the biggest endurance motor race in the world will take a step close to reality this weekend.

The Fossa man has held long-term ambitions to contest the legendary 24 Hours Le Mans Race in France.

Last year, as part of his preparation, he competed in national-level Porsche Sports Club events in Germany at the wheel of Porsche 911 GT3 Cup as well as driving a Ford Escort Mk2 in the cartell.ie Rally of the Lakes.

He also contested rounds of the Ferrari Challenge North America in 2017 and 2018.

His German Porsche Cup races featured on his popular online documentary ‘Road to Le Mans’.

The final rung on the ladder is the European Le Mans Series, a five round endurance racing championship that gets underway at the Paul Ricard Circuit in France this weekend.

Fassbender has signed for the Proton Competition team and will drive a Porsche 911 RSR in the GTE class in the series and a successful season will pave the way for his debut at Le Mans next June.

The 43-year-old will share the car with Porsche factory drivers Richard Lietz and Felipe Fernandez Laser.

“Even before I started acting, I had a big dream to go racing - it was clear to me at a young age,” he said. “My father was a driving enthusiast who taught me a lot.”

Porsche will work closely with the local Hollywood star and his progress in the European championship will feature in further episodes of ‘Road to Le Mans’.

“It’s always wonderful to be able to tackle new projects. This is a very special one,” says Proton Competition team owner Christian Ried who has worked with another notable Hollywood celebrity and Porsche racing enthusiast Patrick Dempsey at Le Mans. “It’ll be interesting to see how Michael progresses. As a team, we’re delighted to be able to accompany him on his ‘Road to Le Mans’.”

Following Sunday’s four-hour race, Fassbender will also tackle events in Belgium, Spain and Italy, ahead of the season finale in Portugal on November 1.

Fans can follow the race or Saturday’s qualifying session via: live.europeanlemansseries.com.