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Alain Menu
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Alain Menu (born 9 August 1963) is a Swiss racing driver who is currently working for Team BMR as a driving coach. He was one of the most successful touring car drivers of the 1990s, winning the prestigious British Touring Car Championship twice (the only driver during the series' 1991–2000 Super Touring era to do so). He drove for Chevrolet in the World Touring Car Championship between 2005 and 2012 with a best finish of second in 2012.
Key Information
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Biography
[edit]British Touring Car Championship
[edit]Team M Mobile (1992)
[edit]The son of a farmer, Menu was born in Geneva. Like many drivers who eventually build a career in touring cars, Menu began his career in single-seater racing, reaching the International Formula 3000 championship in 1991 after two years in the British Formula 3 Championship and one year in the British Formula 3000 Championship, in which he finished runner-up in 1990. However, for the next year he returned to Great Britain to race a BMW 3 Series in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), showing promise before being injured mid-season in a quadbike accident at Knockhill; despite only participating in half of the season, he still managed to finish 9th in the final championship standings. As a result of this accident, he was unable to jog for exercise again – he instead took up cycling as his main exercise.
Renault (1993–1998)
[edit]In 1993, Menu began a six-year association with Renault in the BTCC, who had just entered the series with the GB Motorsport run Renault 19. He finished second in a very wet round two at Donington Park behind teammate Tim Harvey. At the next round at Oulton Park, he crashed out of fifth place late on in the race. Menu collided with Nissan Primera of Tiff Needell on the final lap of round eight at Silverstone, dropping Menu for seventh to eighth and forcing Needell into the pits. The Renault team missed the double header at Knockhill and returned to the grid for round ten at Oulton Park. The car had been revised and Menu was sixth after the first few corners having started eighth; he went on to finish fourth behind John Cleland. The first year of their partnership was not particularly successful, with the 19 little better than a midfield runner in the hands of Menu and reigning champion Tim Harvey. However, Menu did manage to win one race at a rain-soaked Donington Park late in the season.
For 1994, the 19 was replaced by the Renault Laguna, which proved to be a much better package all-round. Alfa Romeo had dominated the first four races and Menu did not finish on the podium until Silverstone. At Oulton Park, Alfa Romeo were told to run their cars without their disputed aerodynamic aids and they left the circuit in protest. This allowed Menu to win the race from pole position and set fastest lap. He collided with Julian Bailey at the first corner of the British Grand Prix support race at Silverstone, triggering a pileup that red flagged the race. He took pole position for round fifteen at Oulton Park by nearly a second over BMW driver Joachim Winkelhock but made a poor start and finished third. Menu scored four further podiums in the last four races to finish second in the championship behind Gabriele Tarquini.
The running of the Renault team was taken over by WilliamsF1 for the 1995 season and Menu was joined by former Toyota driver Will Hoy. Despite relatively little testing, Menu qualified third for the season opener at Donington Park and went on to finish second in the race. He took pole position for the first race at Thruxton and held on to take a narrow victory over Cleland. Menu was running third in round seven at Silverstone when he was forced to retire with mechanical issues but he was able to take part in the second race of the day and he finished fourth. Third place in round nine at Oulton Park was the start of five successive mid-season podiums that kept him second in the championship behind Rickard Rydell and then Cleland. Menu was third in the championship after round 21 at Snetterton but three consecutive wins finished the year and elevated him back up to second in the standings.
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Menu was partnered with Hoy once again in 1996. The main rival for the Renault team was Audi Sport UK and their 4-wheel drive car, driven by Frank Biela. The season opener at Donington Park saw Menu finish third behind teammate Hoy and Biela. Menu had to start the second race of the day from the back of the grid having failed the ride height check after race one. He recovered to seventh before having to retire with mechanical problems. Menu took pole position for the next event at Brands Hatch, but was demoted to second at the start by Biela and those positions stuck until the finish line. The next event at Thruxton saw Menu spin at Church corner in race one and ditch his car into the nearby woodland, he was unhurt but the damage left him on the sidelines for race two. Menu worked his way up into the lead of race one at Snetterton but almost immediately slowed down with car problems and retired. He took the first win of the year for Renault in the next meeting at Brands Hatch, winning both races. After this, Menu won twice more on his way to second in the championship, 92 points shy of champion Frank Biela.
He continued with Renault in 1997 and was joined by Renault Spider champion Jason Plato. The car was much more competitive for that year and Menu won the first four races of the season. Rounds five and six at Thruxton took place in wet conditions and the Renaults front row lock-out translated into two third-placed finishes for Menu. He was nudged into a spin in round eight at Brands Hatch by Anthony Reid's Nissan, but was able to rejoin the race and finish fourth while Reid finished fourteenth. Menu started on pole for a wet round eleven at Donington Park, although the two Audis got a better start and led into the first corner. Menu was able to cleanly retake second from John Bintcliffe, despite a misted up windscreen. Contact with James Thompson at Knockhill meant Menu retired for the first and only time that season. Just before round 19 at Thruxton, Menu pulled into the pits to fix a broken rear wheel, which meant he missed the start and he finished in a non–points classified finish for the first time that year. After the second race at Thruxton, Menu had secured the championship crown and so on the final lap of round 21 at Brands Hatch, Menu let teammate Plato through into second place to allow him to close in on Biela in the championship. Menu had taken twelve wins in a dominant car in 1997, a record that was later equalled by Ashley Sutton 26 years later.
1998 would see the Renault team have a large amount of sponsorship from Nescafe and Menu was once again partnered by Plato. The Renault Laguna was not as dominant as the previous season and Menu won only three races, the first which came at Thruxton in the second race of the year.
Ford (1999–2000)
[edit]Menu switched to Ford in 1999[1] with 1998 championship runner-up Anthony Reid leaving Nissan. The Ford Mondeo was not successful in 1999 and Menu finished 11th in the championship with 1 win at Knockhill. Menu would win his second title in 2000 against team-mates Anthony Reid and Rickard Rydell. He would be the last driver to win the BTCC title in a Ford until Ash Sutton 23 years later.
2000 was to be the last year of the BTCC in that form; the championship had been gradually in decline and losing entrants since 1998, with 2000 only featuring 3 works teams and 12 championship contenders, as opposed to the 9 teams and 20+ championship contenders in 1995. The championship was reformed for 2001 with new regulations, but only two manufacturers committed to the series, and Menu, like most of the star drivers, chose to leave the series.
VX Racing (2007)
[edit]On 4 October 2007, it was announced that Menu would make a one-off return to the BTCC with which he is most closely associated. He drove a Vauxhall Vectra for VX Racing at the final round of the 2007 BTCC season at Thruxton to assist Fabrizio Giovanardi in his successful title bid.[2]
Team BMR (2014–2015)
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On 27 January 2014, it was announced that Menu would return to the BTCC, driving a Volkswagen CC for Team BMR.[3] Menu struggled to find the ideal set up in the new breed NGTC Touring Car. He finished 10th in the standings with a pair of podium finishes, 2nd at Rockingham and 3rd at Silverstone.
As of 2015, Menu is no longer a driver for Team BMR, however he remained on the team's roster as a driver coach, helping to train those involved in the British Touring Car Championship, Renault Clio Cup and Ginetta Junior Championship, but he refused to rule out driving for the team again later in the year.
DTM
[edit]From 2001 to 2003, Menu raced for Opel in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters, a high-tech touring car series based in Germany. However, he achieved little success (Menu would describe his DTM years as "not very good" in a 2004 interview). While competing in the DTM, he ventured into sports car racing with Prodrive, competing in both the Le Mans 24 Hours and the Sebring 12 Hours as well as winning one race each in both the FIA GT Championship and the American Le Mans Series.
World Touring Car Championship
[edit]Chevrolet (2005–2012)
[edit]In 2004, Menu announced his return to production-based touring car racing, with the fledgling Chevrolet team, RML in the 2005 World Touring Car Championship season.[4] Menu, and his equally highly regarded team-mate Nicola Larini, did not expect to win races in their first year but the team's performance was still seen as a big disappointment, Menu only achieving three points finishes, his best result being a 6th at Spa-Francorchamps.
The team had expected to make progress up the grid in 2006, and their faith was fulfilled at a very wet Brands Hatch on 21 May when Menu won the second race of the day, scoring Chevrolet's first-ever outright win in a FIA-accredited world championship event.
Chevrolet introduced the new Cruze model to the championship for 2009.[5] Menu crashed out of the first race of the season at the Race of Brazil after the collision with BMW pair Andy Priaulx and Jörg Müller. At the Race of Morocco, he had originally qualified second but was demoted to tenth by the stewards after his car did not restart following a mandatory visit to the weighing bay after the second phase of qualifying.[6] He was caught up in a race one incident with Jorg Müller and Rickard Rydell which put Rydell out of the race with damage. The Race of France saw Menu take his first win in the Chevrolet Cruze having started on the reversed grid pole for race two and winning the race from there. Menu collided with Augusto Farfus in race one of the Race of Portugal with Menu being spun into the wall. Menu's teammate Larini tagged Tiago Monteiro while the pair tried to avoid the wreckage but Mehdi Bennani collided with the stationary Chevrolet, the track was then blocked and the race red flagged. Menu took pole position at the following event, the Race of UK at Brands Hatch. Having swapped places throughout the race with teammate Huff, Menu won the race to take his second win of the year. During the final qualifying session of the year for the Race of Macau, Yvan Muller lost control on cement dust that had been laid on the track following an earlier accident for James Thompson. Tarquini hit Muller's car, and the SEAT Sport pair were then hit by Menu. He finished the season tenth in the drivers' championship behind fifth placed Huff.
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He stayed with Chevrolet for the 2010 season, joined by Huff and new teammate Yvan Muller.[7] Menu brought out the red flags during qualifying for the Race of Morocco when he crashed into the wall during Q1. He came into contact with the wall again during race two when he tangled with BMW Team RBM driver Augusto Farfus. Having been passed by eBay Motors driver Colin Turkington near the end of the race one of the Race of UK, Menu dropped down the order to benefit from the reversed grid for race two. He started on the front row but damaged his steering trying to pass Farfus which put an end to his race. He won only one race in 2010, the first race of the Race of Germany and he finished the year sixth in the standings, three places and 103 points down on teammate Huff while Muller was champion.
Menu continued with Chevrolet for 2012.[8] Muller had won the first three races of the season but Menu broke this streak by winning the second race of the Race of Spain, despite going through a gravel trap after encountering oil on the circuit. He took his first pole position of the season at the Race of Morocco and won the first race of the day. Menu was running third in the second race of the Race of Slovakia until he dropped down the order and retired with a broken rim. The second race of the Race of Hungary saw Menu pull away from his teammates to chase down race leader and eventual winner Norbert Michelisz to close in on his teammates in the championship. While running third in race two of the Race of Austria, he suffered a puncture and a high speed collision with the barriers ensued in the final sector of the lap. A similar specification Chevrolet Cruze of bamboo-engineering's Alex MacDowall also had a left front puncture and came to rest in the gravel trap in close proximity to Menu's stranded car. He took up the role of comic book character Michel Vaillant for the Race of Portugal. His Chevrolet Cruze raced in special Vaillante colours and he wore a special race suit and dyed his hair to look like the French comic book racer.[9]
Menu began a run of three successive pole positions at the Race of United States, but he retired from the first race with power steering issues. He led a Chevrolet 1–2–3 from pole in the opening race of the Race of Japan and led from start to finish in race one of the Race of China. Menu was pushed into a half spin by teammate Muller in the second race while leading, allowing Huff to go through and win. Muller finished second and Menu finished third but a post race thirty-second penalty saw Muller drop to thirteenth in the classification and Menu was elevated to second in the championship.[10] Menu won the final race of the year at Macau and secured his best overall result in the WTCC with second in the drivers' championship, twelve points shy of Huff.
Prior to the Race of Brazil, Chevrolet announced they were ending their WTCC programme, leaving their drivers without seats for 2013.[11]
Porsche Supercup
[edit]Having been unable to find a seat in the WTCC, Menu moved to the Porsche Supercup for the 2013 season, driving for team FACH Auto Tech.[12] Some sources stated that FACH Auto Tech is Menu's own team, but he declared that it is not true. With the main sponsor of the team not supplying funds, Menu only completed one race of the season.
Other activities
[edit]In 2006, he won the 200 km de Buenos Aires, a round of Argentina's TC2000 championship, with Matias Rossi driving a Chevrolet Astra.[13]
In a 2005 poll by readers of Motorsport Magazine, Menu was voted the fourth greatest touring car driver of all time.[14]
Career
[edit]- 2012: 2nd in World Touring Car Championship, 6 wins (Chevrolet Cruze)
- 2011: 3rd in World Touring Car Championship, 5 wins (Chevrolet Cruze)
- 2010: 6th in World Touring Car Championship, 1 win (Chevrolet Cruze)
- 2009: 10th in World Touring Car Championship, 2 wins (Chevrolet Cruze)
- 2008: 9th in World Touring Car Championship, 3 wins (Chevrolet Lacetti), 3rd "200 km de Buenos Aires" (TC2000)
- 2007: 6th in World Touring Car Championship, 5 wins (Chevrolet Lacetti)
- 2006: 15th in World Touring Car Championship, 1 win (Chevrolet Lacetti), won the "200 km de Buenos Aires" (TC2000)
- 2005: 16th in World Touring Car Championship (Chevrolet Lacetti)
- 2004: 4th in class, 11th overall at Le Mans 24 Hours (Ferrari 550 Maranello), 2nd, BTCC Masters Race, Donington Park
- 2003: 9th in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (Opel Astra), 1st in class at Petit Le Mans (Ferrari 550 Maranello)
- 2002: 9th in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (Opel Astra), DNF (engine) at Le Mans 24 Hours (Ferrari 550 Maranello)
- 2001: 21st in Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (Opel Astra), 1 win in FIA GT Championship (Ferrari 550 Maranello)
- 2000: 1st in British Touring Car Championship, 6 wins (Ford Mondeo)
- 1999: 11th in British Touring Car Championship, 1 win (Ford Mondeo)
- 1998: 4th in British Touring Car Championship, 3 wins (Renault Laguna)
- 1997: 1st in British Touring Car Championship, 12 wins (Renault Laguna)
- 1996: 2nd in British Touring Car Championship, 4 wins (Renault Laguna)
- 1995: 2nd in British Touring Car Championship, 7 wins (Renault Laguna)
- 1994: 2nd in British Touring Car Championship, 2 wins (Renault Laguna)
- 1993: 10th in British Touring Car Championship, 1 win (Renault 19)
- 1992: 9th in British Touring Car Championship (BMW 3 Series) (only completed half-season)
- 1991: International Formula 3000 Championship
- 1990: 2nd in British Formula 3000 Championship
- 1989: British Formula 3 Championship
- 1988: British Formula 3 Championship
- 1987: 2nd in British Formula Ford 1600 Championship, 2nd in FF1600 Festival.
- 1985: French FF1600 Championship
- 1984: Enrolled at the Elf Winfield racing school in France.
Racing record
[edit]Complete International Formula 3000 results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Entrant | Chassis | Engine | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | Pos. | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | CoBRa Motorsport | Reynard 90D | Mugen Honda | DON | SIL | PAU | JER | MNZ | PER | HOC | BRH | BIR | BUG | NOG 12 |
NC | 0 |
| 1991 | CoBRa Motorsport | Reynard 91D | Ford Cosworth | VAL 6 |
PAU 6 |
JER 18 |
MUG 12 |
PER Ret |
HOC DNS |
BRH | SPA | BUG | NOG | 16th | 2 |
Complete Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft/Masters results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Team | Car | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | Pos. | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | Linder M Team | BMW M3 Sport Evo | ZOL 1 |
ZOL 2 |
HOC 1 |
HOC 2 |
NÜR 1 |
NÜR 2 |
AVU 1 |
AVU 2 |
WUN 1 |
WUN 2 |
NOR 1 |
NOR 2 |
DIE 1 |
DIE 2 |
NÜR 1 |
NÜR 2 |
ALE 1 19 |
ALE 2 14 |
HOC 1 15 |
HOC 2 16 |
BRN 1 |
BRN 2 |
DON 1 |
DON 2 |
NC | 0 |
| 2001 | OPC Euroteam | Opel Astra Coupé 2000 | HOC QR 11 |
HOC CR Ret |
NÜR QR 17 |
NÜR CR 17 |
OSC QR 16 |
OSC CR 16 |
SAC QR 22† |
SAC CR Ret |
NOR QR 18 |
NOR CR 14 |
LAU QR 11 |
LAU CR 19 |
NÜR QR Ret |
NÜR CR 12 |
A1R QR 5 |
A1R CR Ret |
ZAN QR 14 |
ZAN CR 11 |
HOC QR 10 |
HOC CR 14 |
23rd | 0 | ||||
| 2002 | OPC Euroteam | Opel Astra Coupé 2001 | HOC QR 17 |
HOC CR 9 |
ZOL QR 17 |
ZOL CR 14 |
DON QR 6 |
DON CR 8 |
SAC QR 2 |
SAC CR 3 |
NOR QR 14 |
NOR CR Ret |
LAU QR 10 |
LAU CR 11 |
NÜR QR 7 |
NÜR CR Ret |
A1R QR 7 |
A1R CR 6 |
ZAN QR 4 |
ZAN CR Ret |
HOC QR 18† |
HOC CR Ret |
9th | 7 | ||||
| 2003 | OPC Team Holzer | Opel Astra V8 Coupé 2003 | HOC 18 |
ADR 8 |
NÜR 6 |
LAU 6 |
NOR 10 |
DON Ret |
NÜR 9 |
A1R 7 |
ZAN Ret |
HOC 10 |
9th | 9 |
- † – Retired, but was classified as he completed 90% of the winner's race distance.
Complete British Touring Car Championship results
[edit](key) Races in bold indicate pole position (1 point awarded – 1996–2000 all races, 2007 just for first race) Races in italics indicate fastest lap (1 point awarded – 2007 only) * signifies that driver lead race for at least one lap (1 point awarded – 1998–2000 just in feature race, 2007 all races)
Complete Italian Touring Car Championship results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Team | Car | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | DC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Williams Renault Dealer Racing |
Renault Laguna | MIS 1 |
MIS 2 |
BIN 1 |
BIN 2 |
MNZ 1 |
MNZ 2 |
IMO 1 |
IMO 2 |
MAG 1 |
MAG 2 |
MUG 1 |
MUG 2 |
MIS 1 |
MIS 2 |
PER 1 |
PER 2 |
VAR 1 |
VAR 2 |
VAL 1 Ret‡ |
VAL 2 DNS |
NC‡ | 0‡ |
‡ Guest driver – not eligible for points
Complete V8 Supercar Championship results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
Complete World Touring Car Championship results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
† – Driver did not finish the race, but was classified as he completed over 90% of the race distance.
Complete Porsche Supercup results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | DC | Pts |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | FACH Auto Tech | ESP Ret |
MON 21 |
GBR | GER | HUN | BEL | ITA | UAE | UAE | 25th | 0 |
Complete TCR International Series results
[edit](key) (Races in bold indicate pole position) (Races in italics indicate fastest lap)
| Year | Team | Car | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | DC | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Top Run Motorsport | Subaru Impreza STi TCR | SEP 1 |
SEP 2 |
SHA 1 |
SHA 2 |
VAL 1 |
VAL 2 |
ALG 1 |
ALG 2 |
MNZ 1 |
MNZ 2 |
SAL 1 |
SAL 2 |
SOC 1 |
SOC 2 |
RBR 1 |
RBR 2 |
MRN 1 |
MRN 2 |
CHA 1 20† |
CHA 2 DNS |
MAC 1 WD |
MAC 2 WD |
NC | 0 |
| 2016 | WestCoast Racing | Honda Civic TCR | BHR 1 |
BHR 2 |
EST 1 |
EST 2 |
SPA 1 |
SPA 2 |
IMO 1 Ret |
IMO 2 10 |
SAL 1 |
SAL 2 |
OSC 1 |
OSC 2 |
SOC 1 |
SOC 2 |
CHA 1 |
CHA 2 |
MRN 1 |
MRN 2 |
SEP 1 |
SEP 2 |
MAC 1 |
MAC 2 |
37th | 1 |
| 2017 | BRC Racing Team | Hyundai i30 N TCR | RIM 1 |
RIM 2 |
BHR 1 |
BHR 2 |
SPA 1 |
SPA 2 |
MNZ 1 |
MNZ 2 |
SAL 1 |
SAL 2 |
HUN 1 |
HUN 2 |
OSC 1 |
OSC 2 |
CHA 1 |
CHA 2 |
ZHE 1 12 |
ZHE 2 4 |
DUB 1 Ret |
DUB 2 5 |
NC‡ | 0‡ |
† Driver did not finish the race, but was classified as he completed over 75% of the race distance.
‡ As Menu was a guest driver, he was ineligible to score points.
Complete Bathurst 1000 results
[edit]| Year | Team | Co-driver | Car | Laps | Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1997* |  Williams Renault Dealer Racing
|
Jason Plato
|
Renault Laguna | 114 | DNF |
| 1998 |  Tomas Mezera Motorsport
|
Tomas Mezera
|
Holden Commodore VT | 0 | DNF |
| 2000 | Larkham Motor Sport
|
Mark Larkham
|
Ford Falcon AU | 154 | 18th |
| 2004 | Ford Performance Racing
|
Adam Macrow
|
Ford Falcon BA | 43 | DNF |
| 2005 | Larkham Motor Sport
|
 Matt Halliday
|
Ford Falcon BA | 157 | 12th |
* Super Touring race
Complete 24 Hours of Le Mans results
[edit]| Year | Team | Co-drivers | Car | Class | Laps | Pos. | Class pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Prodrive
|
 Rickard Rydell Tomáš Enge
|
Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello | GTS | 167 | DNF | DNF |
| 2004 | Prodrive Racing
|
 Peter Kox Tomáš Enge
|
Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello | GTS | 325 | 11th | 4th |
References
[edit]- ^ "Williams could struggle, says Menu". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. 23 March 1999. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ Meissner, Johan (4 October 2007). "Menu confirmed by Vauxhall". TouringCarTimes. Mediaempire Stockholm AB. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
- ^ "A recipe for success". 27 January 2014. Archived from the original on 25 February 2014. Retrieved 27 January 2014.
- ^ "Chevrolet signs Menu". Autosport. Haymarket Publishing. 1 October 2004. Retrieved 23 December 2012.
- ^ Glendenning, Mark (3 December 2008). "Chevrolet unveil new colours". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ Meissner, Johan (3 May 2009). "Alain Menu penalized and moved down". TouringCarTimes. Mediaempire Stockholm AB. Archived from the original on 4 February 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ English, Steven (22 November 2009). "Yvan Muller gets 2010 Chevrolet seat". Autosport. Haymarket Publications. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ Meissner, Johan (7 October 2011). "Huff, Menu and Muller confirmed for Chevrolet 2012". TouringCarTimes. Mediaempire Stockholm AB. Archived from the original on 16 June 2012. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ Abbott, Andrew (28 May 2012). "Menu gets comic role for Portugal". Touring-Cars.net. Andrew Abbott. Archived from the original on 20 June 2012. Retrieved 24 December 2012.
- ^ "YVAN MULLER DROPPED OUT OF THE POINTS". fiawtcc.com. Eurosport. 4 November 2012. Archived from the original on 23 October 2013. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ Abbott, Andrew (4 July 2012). "Chevrolet announce end of WTCC programme". Touring-Cars.net. Andrew Abbott. Archived from the original on 26 July 2020. Retrieved 25 December 2012.
- ^ Hudson, Neil (6 March 2013). "Alain Menu to contest the 2013 Porsche Supercup". TouringCarTimes. Mediaempire Stockholm AB. Archived from the original on 12 April 2013. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ "CHEVROLET ELAION The marque's 20th TC2000 win". tc2000.com.ar. 23 May 2007. Retrieved 16 April 2008. [dead link]
- ^ "Top 20 tin-top drivers February 2005 - Motor Sport Magazine". 4 April 2016.
External links
[edit]
Media related to Alain Menu at Wikimedia Commons
Alain Menu
View on GrokipediaEarly Life and Racing Beginnings
Personal Background
Alain Menu was born on August 9, 1963, in Geneva, Switzerland.[3] He grew up in a hard-working farming family with no connections to motorsport or the automotive industry, where his father had long harbored unfulfilled ambitions to become a veterinarian.[2] This family background instilled a sense of determination in Menu, though it offered little financial or emotional support for his emerging interests.[2] From an early age, Menu displayed a profound passion for motor racing, which began around four or five years old when he aspired to compete in Formula One despite his family's disinterest.[4] His initial exposure came through the French comic series Michel Vaillant, whose adventures as a racing hero captivated him and fueled daydreams of the track.[5] As a young boy, he idolized Swiss driver Jo Siffert, another native of the French-speaking region, and once persuaded his mother to drive him to Geneva in hopes of meeting him for an autograph—only to be thwarted by a crowd.[2][4] Initially, Menu pursued veterinary studies at the University of Geneva in 1983, following his father's dreams, but he abandoned the program after just two weeks, realizing it did not align with his true calling.[2] In a reflective anecdote from later interviews, he recalled sitting in lectures and thinking, "What are you doing here?"—a moment that crystallized his decision to chase racing instead, even amid Switzerland's longstanding ban on circuit motorsport since 1955.[2] To support himself during this transitional period, Menu worked as a chauffeur for the U.S. Permanent Mission in Geneva, where he occasionally borrowed a Mercedes for late-night drives that honed his affinity for speed.[2]Entry into Karting and Junior Formulas
Alain Menu began his racing career later than most drivers, entering competitive motorsport at the age of 21 without prior experience in karting. Growing up in Switzerland with no family ties to the sport, he drew inspiration from comic books like Michel Vaillant and the success of Swiss Formula 1 driver Jo Siffert, prompting him to abandon veterinary studies at Geneva University after just two weeks in 1983 to pursue racing full-time. In 1984, he enrolled in the renowned Elf Winfield Racing School in France, a talent incubator that provided scholarships and training; Menu impressed by finishing as runner-up in the competition, narrowly behind future Formula 1 driver Érik Comas.[2] Menu's single-seater debut occurred in 1985 within the French Formula Ford championship, where he piloted a Van Diemen chassis. Demonstrating immediate promise, he claimed his first race victory at Magny-Cours and another at Montlhéry, and concluded the season in fourth place overall, establishing himself as a quick learner in the entry-level open-wheel category. This performance attracted initial sponsorship support, marking the start of his professional backing in racing.[2][6] The following year, 1986, saw Menu return to French Formula Ford with enhanced resources, including full funding from sponsor Jean-Charles Roguet and a Van Diemen car equipped with a more powerful Minister engine. He advanced to third in the championship standings, solidifying his reputation in European junior racing circles. These results highlighted his adaptability to different tracks and setups, key for progression beyond novice levels.[2][7] By 1987, Menu shifted focus to the competitive British Formula Ford series, seeking greater exposure in the UK racing scene. Competing against a deep field of young talents, he achieved runner-up honors in the championship and finished second at the prestigious Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch, while also notching his first victory on British soil with the David Sears team. This season represented a pivotal step, blending European experience with the intensity of British domestic racing and paving the way for his ascent to Formula 3.[2][7][8]Formula and Single-Seater Career
International Formula 3000
Alain Menu entered the Formula 3000 category in 1989 through the British Formula 3000 Championship, debuting with Roni Motorsport in a Reynard-Cosworth 89D chassis, where he secured a victory at Oulton Park.[9] This marked his transition from junior single-seater formulas, leveraging the precision honed in karting to adapt to the series' demands for high-speed cornering and tire management.[7] In 1990, Menu continued in British Formula 3000 with Roni Motorsport and later Cobra Motorsport, still using the Reynard-Cosworth 89D, achieving two wins—at Oulton Park and Snetterton—and finishing runner-up in the championship with 34 points.[8] That same year, he made a single appearance in the International Formula 3000 Championship for Colin Bennett Racing in a Reynard 90D powered by a Mugen Honda engine, though he failed to score points.[10] Menu's full commitment to the International Formula 3000 came in 1991 with Cobra Motorsport, campaigning a Reynard 91D-Ford Cosworth over 10 rounds, where his best results were two sixth-place finishes at Hockenheim and Brands Hatch, earning 2 points and 16th in the final standings.[11] These performances highlighted his consistent pace but were hampered by reliability issues and limited budget, as Menu relied on family funding that required his parents to remortgage their home.[12] The financial strains of competing in International Formula 3000, combined with intense competition from established teams, ultimately prompted Menu's shift toward touring cars in 1992, where his adaptable driving style—characterized by clean lines and strong qualifying efforts—proved more immediately rewarding.[12] Formula 3000 cars of the era, like the Reynard models Menu drove, featured 3.0-liter V8 engines such as the Cosworth DFV delivering approximately 430 horsepower, paired with ground-effect aerodynamics and slick tires to achieve cornering speeds exceeding 150 mph on technical circuits.[13]Other Single-Seater Appearances
Menu's single-seater career began in earnest in Formula Ford, where he demonstrated early promise after attending the Elf Winfield racing school in 1984. In 1985, he debuted in the French Formula Ford Championship, securing victories at Magny-Cours and Montlhéry to finish fourth overall. The following year, with full backing from team owner Jean-Charles Roguet, Menu improved to third in the French Formula Ford standings.[2][7] Transitioning to the more competitive British scene in 1987, Menu contested the British Formula Ford 1600 Championship, where he narrowly missed the title and achieved a podium second place at the Formula Ford Festival at Brands Hatch—a key non-championship event that showcased emerging talent. He also made initial forays into British Formula 3 that year in the National Class with Eddie Jordan Racing, driving a Ralt RT30-VW, and placed 14th in the class standings despite limited outings.[8][2][14] In 1988, Menu committed fully to the British Formula 3 Championship with Anglia Cars Racefax in a Ralt RT32-VW, completing a partial season to end 12th overall with four points, highlighted by a fourth-place finish at Silverstone. He continued with Racefax Motorsport in 1989, upgrading to a Ralt RT33-VW/Spiess, and improved to eighth in the championship with 16 points, including a third at Thruxton and second at Silverstone; that year, he also competed in the prestigious Monaco Formula 3 support race, finishing sixth. By 1990, still with Racefax but switching to a Ralt RT32-Mazda, Menu's season was hampered by funding issues, resulting in 20th place with no points scored. These British F3 campaigns underscored his adaptability across engine suppliers but were marred by inconsistent resources.[15][2][8] Financial challenges proved a recurring barrier in single-seaters, with Menu often unable to secure the £200,000 needed for a full F3 season or the £150,000 for Formula 3000 progression, leading to missed races and incomplete programs. This instability contrasted with the more accessible funding in touring cars, where a successful 1992 DTM selection test earned him a BTCC seat with Prodrive, marking his shift toward tin-tops and away from open-wheel racing after 1991.[2]Touring Car Dominance in BTCC
Initial Seasons and Renault Success (1992–1998)
Alain Menu made his debut in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) in 1992 with Team M Mobil, driving a BMW 318iS. His first race at Silverstone resulted in a 10th-place finish, and he achieved his maiden podium with third place at Snetterton, marking BMW's first podium of the season.[16][17] The season was abbreviated to eight starts due to a leg injury sustained at Knockhill, ending with 27 points and a 9th overall position.[16][18] In 1993, Menu joined the newly entered Renault Dealer Team, piloting the Renault 19 in the Super Touring era, which provided a crucial career lifeline after his challenging BMW stint. The car excelled in wet conditions but struggled in the dry, yielding one victory in the second race at Donington Park and three podiums across 15 starts, for 57 points and 10th in the standings.[16][19][18] Menu's prior experience in International Formula 3000 helped him adapt quickly to the competitive touring car environment. The following year, 1994, saw the introduction of the Renault Laguna, which improved reliability and pace; Menu secured two wins at Oulton Park and Knockhill, along with 10 podiums in 21 races, finishing runner-up overall with 222 points behind Alfa Romeo's Gabriele Tarquini.[16][17][18] By 1995, Menu had transitioned to the Williams Renault Dealer Racing team, which took over development of the Laguna and enhanced its aerodynamics and engine mapping for better outright speed. This partnership propelled him to seven victories, including a standout win at Brands Hatch, and 13 podiums in 25 starts, amassing 305 points but finishing second to Vauxhall's John Cleland amid intense rivalry.[16][17][18] Menu played a key role in refining the car's setup, contributing feedback on suspension and tire management that addressed early-season handling issues. In 1996, despite four wins—including at Brands Hatch and Oulton Park—and 11 podiums, technical gremlins and on-track incidents, such as a clash with Audi's Will Hoy at Thruxton, limited him to 197 points and another runner-up finish, this time to Frank Biela.[16][17][18] The 1997 season marked the pinnacle of Menu's Renault tenure, as further Laguna evolutions— including optimized weight distribution and power delivery—enabled dominance. He claimed 12 wins and 21 podiums across 24 races, securing the BTCC title with 281 points, a 110-point margin over Biela, and establishing Renault's first championship in the series.[16][17][18] Rivalries intensified with drivers like Cleland and emerging threats such as Rickard Rydell, testing Menu's tactical prowess in wheel-to-wheel combat. However, 1998 brought challenges with reliability issues plaguing the Laguna, resulting in three wins—at Oulton Park and Thruxton—and 11 podiums in 26 starts, for 187 points and a fourth-place finish, as Volvo's Rydell capitalized on superior pace.[16][17][18] Menu's consistent input during this period had solidified the team's technical foundation, paving the way for future successes despite the season's setbacks.| Season | Team | Car | Starts | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Team M Mobil | BMW 318iS | 8 | 0 | 1 | 27 | 9th |
| 1993 | Renault Dealer Team | Renault 19 | 15 | 1 | 3 | 57 | 10th |
| 1994 | Renault Dealer Team | Renault Laguna | 21 | 2 | 10 | 222 | 2nd |
| 1995 | Williams Renault | Renault Laguna | 25 | 7 | 13 | 305 | 2nd |
| 1996 | Williams Renault | Renault Laguna | 25 | 4 | 11 | 197 | 2nd |
| 1997 | Williams Renault | Renault Laguna | 24 | 12 | 21 | 281 | 1st |
| 1998 | Williams Renault | Renault Laguna | 26 | 3 | 11 | 187 | 4th |
Championship Wins and Later Teams (1999–2000, 2007, 2014–2015)
After departing Renault at the end of the 1998 season, Menu joined the Ford Team Mondeo for 1999, marking a transitional year amid the final throes of the Super Touring era. The team struggled with reliability and competitiveness, limiting Menu to a single victory at Knockhill in August, where he dominated the feature race from pole position.[20] This result stood as Ford's only win that season, culminating in Menu's 11th-place finish in the drivers' standings with 84 points.[18] The following year, 2000, saw Menu rebound emphatically with the same Prodrive-prepared Ford Mondeo, securing his second BTCC title and becoming the last champion under the outgoing Super Touring regulations. He claimed six race wins across the 24-race season, including dominant performances at tracks like Brands Hatch and Oulton Park, amassing 195 points to edge out teammates Anthony Reid and Rickard Rydell, who finished second and third respectively.[21] This success, built on the strong foundation of his earlier Renault campaigns, highlighted Menu's adaptability as escalating costs prompted the BTCC to phase out Super Touring specs after 2000 in favor of more cost-controlled rules.[22] The shift to Super 2000 regulations in 2002, emphasizing standardized 2.0-liter engines and reduced development budgets, reshaped the series and influenced Menu's intermittent returns. In 2007, he made a one-off appearance for VX Racing in a Vauxhall Vectra at Thruxton, stepping in to support title contender Fabrizio Giovanardi. Menu qualified fourth and finished the opening race in the same position, though he placed 13th in the feature race after a challenging restart, contributing to the team's championship efforts without pursuing a full-season commitment.[23][24] Menu's most notable later BTCC involvement came with Team BMR in 2014, driving a Volkswagen Passat CC in the independent class under the evolving Super 2000 framework. Returning full-time after a 14-year absence focused on WTCC, he adapted quickly to the team's developing package, scoring two podiums—third at Silverstone and second at Rockingham—en route to 11th in the standings with 176 points from 29 starts.[25][26][27] These results underscored the stability of Super 2000 cars, which prioritized parity over the bespoke engineering of Super Touring, allowing privateer outfits like BMR to compete effectively. In 2015, as BMR transitioned to Honda Civic Type R machinery, Menu returned for a substitute outing at the Brands Hatch finale, replacing injured team owner Warren Scott. Piloting the Honda, he defended aggressively for teammate Jason Plato, making contact with title rival Gordon Shedden in a bid to preserve Plato's championship hopes, though he finished outside the podium positions.[28] This appearance marked Menu's final competitive BTCC drive, reflecting his enduring value to teams navigating regulatory evolutions toward the incoming NGTC era.[27]World Touring Car Championship Era
Chevrolet Partnership and Titles (2005–2012)
In 2005, Alain Menu debuted in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) with the factory-supported Chevrolet team, piloting the Chevrolet Lacetti developed in collaboration with Ray Mallock Limited (RML), the British engineering outfit tasked with preparing Chevrolet's entry into the series.[29] This partnership marked Chevrolet's first full-season commitment to the WTCC, leveraging Menu's extensive touring car experience from the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) to aid his transition to the global series.[30] Despite a challenging rookie year on the international stage, where Menu finished 17th in the drivers' standings with 9 points across 20 races, the season laid the groundwork for Chevrolet's engineering advancements, including refinements to the Lacetti's chassis and engine for diverse global circuits.[31] The collaboration between Menu, RML, and Chevrolet's technical team intensified in subsequent seasons, focusing on iterative improvements to the Lacetti before transitioning to the more competitive Chevrolet Cruze platform in 2009. RML's expertise in aerodynamics and suspension tuning, combined with Chevrolet's input on powertrain reliability, enabled the team to adapt to varied track conditions, from the tight streets of Macau to the high-speed sweeps of Suzuka.[32] Menu's adaptation to these international venues was evident in standout performances, such as his pole position at Suzuka in 2012, which helped secure Chevrolet's third consecutive manufacturers' title, and his victory in the season finale at Macau that year, where he navigated the demanding Guia Circuit to clinch the win under pressure.[33] These results highlighted Menu's skill in managing tire wear and overtaking on unfamiliar layouts, contributing to the team's growing dominance. Menu's tenure with Chevrolet yielded consistent podium contention, culminating in his career-best second place in the 2012 drivers' championship with 401 points, just 12 behind teammate Rob Huff, across 24 races in the Cruze 1.6T.[34] Earlier highlights included third in 2011 (323 points) and sixth in 2010 (173 points) and 2007 (69 points), with a total of 23 wins over the partnership.[8] The shift to the Cruze model in 2009 enhanced performance through better weight distribution and turbocharged efficiency, allowing Menu to secure five victories in 2011 alone and supporting Chevrolet's repeated manufacturers' successes.[35] This era solidified Chevrolet's status as a WTCC powerhouse, with Menu's input on setup and strategy playing a key role in the engineering evolution from the Lacetti to the Cruze.[36]Key Races and Rivalries
During his partnership with Chevrolet in the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC) from 2005 to 2012, Alain Menu participated in several standout races that showcased his precision and resilience on diverse circuits. A pivotal moment occurred at the 2007 Race of UK at Brands Hatch, where Menu converted pole position into victory in the opening race, maintaining a lead over James Thompson despite consistent pressure, marking his fourth win of the season and Chevrolet's growing dominance.[37] Similarly, at the 2007 Guia Race of Macau, Menu delivered a tense pole-to-flag triumph in the first encounter, edging out Andy Priaulx by a mere 0.523 seconds in a chaotic street circuit battle that advanced Priaulx's title aspirations against rivals like Augusto Farfus and Jörg Müller.[38] The 2012 season featured a defining incident at the Race of China in Shanghai, amplifying the high-stakes drama within Chevrolet's factory team. Battling for the lead, Menu was hit by teammate Yvan Muller, who forced him wide to claim second place; Muller's penalty for causing the avoidable contact elevated Menu to the podium, highlighting the internal tensions in a championship where Menu ultimately finished runner-up, trailing Rob Huff by 12 points.[39] Menu's career was defined by fierce rivalries that elevated the WTCC's competitive edge. He engaged in prolonged duels with Gabriele Tarquini, the experienced SEAT driver, often contesting qualifying supremacy and race positions, as seen at Sonoma in 2012 when Menu seized pole from Tarquini in the dying seconds of the session.[40] Against Andy Priaulx, Menu's encounters produced razor-close results, exemplified by the 2007 Macau opener where Priaulx shadowed him throughout, underscoring their mutual respect and role in pushing BMW and Chevrolet limits.[38] The most charged rivalry unfolded with fellow Chevrolet driver Yvan Muller, marked by aggressive on-track exchanges, including Muller's defense against Menu's late-race pressure at the 2012 Macau finale, where Muller held firm for victory amid a crash involving points leader Huff.[41] Strategic brilliance underpinned Menu's success, particularly his command in adverse conditions, which frequently swung race outcomes and bolstered his championship positioning. In the 2011 Race of Japan, Menu set the pace in a rain-affected final practice, adapting swiftly to slick surfaces and enabling strong starts that yielded consistent top finishes across variable weather events.[42] Menu's endurance across eight WTCC seasons, yielding 23 race wins, reflected his adaptability to the series' consistent format of dual weekend races—one following qualifying order and the second with a reversed top-10 grid—which rewarded his qualifying consistency and sustained competitiveness amid evolving manufacturer battles.[2]Additional Touring and Endurance Racing
DTM Campaigns
Alain Menu entered the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) in 2001 following his second British Touring Car Championship (BTCC) title the previous year, joining the Opel Performance Center (OPC) team to drive the Astra V8 Coupé. His move to the series was facilitated by his established reputation in touring car racing, which attracted interest from German manufacturers seeking international talent amid intense competition between Opel, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz. However, the DTM's technical regulations and high-performance demands presented a stark contrast to the BTCC's more varied circuits and manufacturer diversity, with Opel's package struggling against the superior aerodynamics and power of rival entries.[43] In his debut 2001 season with OPC Euroteam, Menu competed in all 13 rounds but faced reliability issues and setup challenges on the series' demanding road courses, such as Hockenheim and the Nürburgring, where top speeds exceeded 300 km/h. He achieved several top-15 finishes but scored no championship points due to the series' scoring system limited to the top eight, and frequent DNFs from mechanical failures or incidents. Menu later reflected on the period as underwhelming, citing the Opel's lack of outright pace in manufacturer battles dominated by Audi's quattro system and Mercedes' engine reliability.[44][45] Menu continued with Opel in 2002, switching to OPC Team Holzer midway through the season, and improved marginally to secure his best DTM result: 10th in the drivers' standings with 7 points from consistent mid-pack finishes. Despite no podiums, he demonstrated adaptability on twisty layouts like the Sachsenring, though Opel's development lagged behind Audi's Abt Sportsline and Mercedes' HWA teams, which claimed the top positions. The season highlighted DTM's evolution toward Class 1 regulations, emphasizing downforce and tire management over raw power, areas where Menu's BTCC-honed skills were tested but not fully rewarded.[46] By 2003, Menu's final full DTM campaign with Team Holzer yielded 9 points for 9th place overall, with highlights including a 6th at the Nürburgring and strong qualifying efforts at Lausitzring, but again no podiums amid ongoing Opel competitiveness issues. The series' focus on manufacturer rivalries intensified, with Audi securing the title through superior strategy, underscoring Menu's challenges in adapting to DTM's engineering emphasis. His limited long-term commitment stemmed from Opel's inconsistent support and his preference for series offering better win potential, leading him to explore other touring car opportunities after three seasons totaling 34 starts and zero victories.[47][48]Porsche Supercup and Supercar Events
Alain Menu made select appearances in Porsche one-make series, showcasing his versatility beyond touring cars by adapting to the handling characteristics of rear-engine Porsche 911 GT3 Cup cars. In 2004, he competed as a guest driver for Porsche Motorsport in the Porsche Carrera Cup Great Britain, entering two rounds at Oulton Park. Menu claimed outright victory in Race 1, starting from pole and leading throughout, before repeating the feat in Race 2 after a strong recovery from fifth place on the opening lap.[49][50] These results highlighted his quick acclimation to the rear-wheel-drive layout and the competitive field of the national series.[8] Later, in 2013, Menu entered the Porsche Supercup with his self-funded team, FACH Auto Tech, the first Swiss outfit in the series, driving a Porsche 911 GT3 Cup (Type 991). He contested the opening two events: retiring from the feature race at Circuit de Catalunya due to mechanical issues, and finishing 21st at the prestigious Monaco street circuit after qualifying 16th.[51][8] These outings, amid a grid of young talents and established GT specialists like Sean Edwards, marked a brief but notable foray into the high-stakes support series for Formula 1 events.[52] Menu also tackled the Australian V8 Supercar Championship in 2002, joining Larkham Motorsport for a full-season campaign in a Ford Falcon BA. The 24-race schedule presented unique challenges, including the raw power of the 5.4-liter V8 engine—contrasting his prior front-wheel-drive experience—and navigating diverse tracks like the high-speed ovals and technical road courses Down Under. Despite no podiums or top finishes, Menu completed all events, ending 61st in the drivers' standings and gaining valuable insights into the series' physical and strategic demands.[8][6] His touring car pedigree proved instrumental in managing tire wear and close-quarters racing in these GT and Supercar disciplines.[5]Endurance Races Including Le Mans and Bathurst
Alain Menu ventured into endurance racing with notable appearances at the 24 Hours of Le Mans, participating twice in the LMGTS class with Prodrive Racing aboard the Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello. In 2002, he shared driving duties with Tomáš Enge and Rickard Rydell, qualifying 28th overall with a lap time of 3:54.091, but the car retired after 174 laps due to a fire, resulting in a 28th-place finish.[53][54] He was entered for the 2003 event in the same model but did not take part in the race, with the car finishing 21st overall.[55] Menu returned in 2004 alongside Enge and Peter Kox, completing 325 laps to secure 4th in class and 17th overall.[56][57] Menu's endurance efforts extended to the Bathurst 1000, where he competed five times from the late 1990s to the mid-2000s, often as an invited international driver adapting his Super Touring expertise to Australian conditions. His debut came in 1997 with Williams Renault Dealer Racing, partnering Jason Plato in a Renault Laguna during the Super Touring format event; they achieved a strong 3rd-place finish overall after 161 laps.[58] In 1998, Menu drove a Holden Commodore VT for Tomas Mezera Motorsport alongside Mezera, but retired after 134 laps due to mechanical issues.[59] He returned in 2000 with Larkham Motor Sport in a Ford Falcon AU, co-driving with Mark Larkham and qualifying 5th with a time of 2:12.7625, though they completed only 155 laps amid challenging weather, finishing outside the top 10.[60] Later outings with Larkham in 2001 and 2004 yielded additional top-10 results, highlighting his consistency in the demanding 1000 km race.[8] These endurance campaigns showcased Menu's versatility beyond sprint touring cars, involving collaborations with teams like Prodrive and Larkham, where emphasis shifted to stint management, fuel efficiency, and vehicle durability over outright pace—contrasting the high-intensity, qualifying-focused strategy of series like the BTCC.[61]Later Career and Non-Driving Roles
Return to BTCC and Retirement from Driving
After a 14-year absence from the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), Alain Menu returned to the series in 2014 with Team BMR, driving a Volkswagen CC under the Chrome Edition Restart Racing banner.[26] Despite adapting to the more physical and competitive nature of the modern BTCC, Menu secured two podium finishes during the season—a third place at Rockingham and another at Silverstone—marking his final competitive results in the series.[52] These performances highlighted his enduring skill at age 50, though the team struggled with setup consistency throughout the year.[27] In 2015, Menu did not pursue a full-season drive due to funding challenges but remained involved with Team BMR in a coaching capacity, mentoring team owner Warren Scott.[52] He made a brief return to the cockpit for the season finale at Brands Hatch GP, substituting for the injured Scott in the Volkswagen CC.[62] This appearance, his last competitive outing in the BTCC, ended without points but served as a poignant close to his driving career in the championship where he had debuted in 1992.[63] Following the 2015 event, Menu announced his retirement from professional driving at age 52, reflecting on a remarkable longevity spanning over two decades in the BTCC alone, during which he amassed 36 wins and two championships.[3] He cited advancing age and a desire to prioritize family time as key transition factors, having balanced racing demands with personal responsibilities throughout his career.[2] Menu expressed gratitude for the opportunities that defined his path, noting the series' evolution while cherishing the Super Touring era's intensity.[52]Coaching and Mentorship Activities
Following his transition from active driving, Alain Menu assumed a coaching role with Team BMR in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC). Beginning in 2015, he served as a driver coach for the team, providing guidance on car setup and race strategy to team drivers including Warren Scott.[27] His deep BTCC background, marked by two championships and over 200 starts, shapes his approach to mentoring emerging talent in the series.[52] Menu's mentorship extends to driver development efforts, where he contributes to performance optimization through practical advice drawn from his competitive years. While specific details on simulator-based training remain limited in public records, his role emphasizes building technical proficiency and mental resilience among protégés. By 2025, Menu's influence persists in team strategy consultations, fostering a legacy of precision driving within BTCC circles. In media engagements, Menu has shared insights from his career, notably in a 2025 Motor Sport Magazine feature recounting pivotal moments and lessons for aspiring racers.[2] These appearances highlight his ongoing commitment to inspiring the next generation of touring car competitors.Racing Achievements and Records
Career Statistics and Milestones
Alain Menu amassed 36 race victories in the British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), placing him second on the series' all-time wins list behind only Andy Rouse. Over 229 starts in the BTCC from his debut in 1992 through 2015, he also recorded 88 podium finishes and 35 pole positions, establishing himself as one of the era's dominant forces.[6][18] His BTCC career spanned 23 years, marked by consistent contention for titles during the competitive Super Touring period, with additional part-time appearances in later years including 2025. Menu secured BTCC championships in 1997, where he won 12 of 26 races driving a Renault Laguna, and in 2000 with a Ford Mondeo, becoming the only driver to claim multiple titles in the Super Touring era (1991–2000).[16] In the World Touring Car Championship (WTCC), he achieved 23 victories across eight seasons with Chevrolet from 2005 to 2012, highlighted by third place overall in 2011 with five wins and runner-up in 2012 with six wins.[64] These results underscored Chevrolet's dominance in the series, with Menu contributing to multiple team successes. Key milestones include Menu's BTCC debut at Silverstone in 1992, where he finished 10th in a Prodrive BMW 318iS, and his first podium that season at Snetterton.[16] His final BTCC podium came in 2014 with second place at Rockingham and third at Silverstone, capping a remarkable return after a 14-year hiatus. In the Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM), Menu competed in 2003 and 2004 for Opel without a win but finished 10th overall in 2003.[65]Complete Racing Results by Series
Alain Menu's complete racing results across major series are documented below in tabular form, drawing from verified motorsport databases and official records. These tables include year-by-year participation, teams, cars, key performance metrics such as wins, podiums, and final championship positions where available, noting incomplete seasons or non-qualifications (DNQs) as applicable. Significant appearances are recorded through 2025.[7][66][25]British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)
Menu's most extensive involvement was in the BTCC, where he raced full seasons from 1992 to 2000 and made partial returns in later years, securing championships in 1997 and 2000. The series featured Super Touring regulations during his peak, with 26 races per season from 1998 onward.[7][25]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1992 | Team M Mobil | BMW 318is | 8 | 0 | 1 | 25 | 9th | Partial season; 3rd at Snetterton |
| 1993 | Renault Sport | Renault 19 16V | 15 | 1 | 3 | 78 | 10th | Maiden win at Donington Park; incomplete season |
| 1994 | Renault Sport | Renault Laguna | 21 | 2 | 10 | 195 | 2nd | 76 points behind champion Rickard Rydell |
| 1995 | Williams Renault Dealer Racing | Renault Laguna | 25 | 7 | 13 | 268 | 2nd | 43 points behind John Cleland |
| 1996 | Williams Renault Dealer Racing | Renault Laguna | 25 | 4 | 11 | 239 | 2nd | 92 points behind Frank Biela |
| 1997 | Williams Renault Dealer Racing | Renault Laguna | 24 | 12 | 21 | 281 | 1st | Dominant season; 110 points ahead of Biela |
| 1998 | Renault Sport | Renault Laguna | 26 | 3 | 11 | 180 | 4th | - |
| 1999 | Team Mondeo | Ford Mondeo | 26 | 1 | 5 | 88 | 11th | Win at Knockhill; incomplete due to team issues |
| 2000 | Team Mondeo | Ford Mondeo | 24 | 6 | 11 | 134 | 1st | 2 points ahead of Anthony Reid |
| 2007 | RML | Chevrolet Lacetti | 3 | 0 | 0 | 13 | 15th | Guest appearances |
| 2014 | BMR Racing | Volkswagen CC | 29 | 0 | 2 | 176 | 11th | Partial return; 2nd at Rockingham, 3rd at Silverstone |
| 2015 | BMR Racing | Volkswagen CC | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 27th | Limited entries; no podiums |
| 2025 | Chrome Edition Restart Racing | Volkswagen Passat | partial | 0 | 0 | - | - | Part-time season; strong pre-season form at Donington Park; no wins or podiums recorded as of November 2025[1] |
World Touring Car Championship (WTCC)
Menu competed in the WTCC from 2005 to 2012 with Chevrolet, achieving his best results in the later years under 1.6T turbo regulations, including a near-miss for the title in 2012. He participated in all 12 rounds per season, with dual races each.[7]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | RML | Chevrolet Lacetti | 20 | 0 | 0 | 23 | 15th | Rookie season |
| 2006 | RML | Chevrolet Lacetti | 20 | 1 | 3 | 42 | 15th | Win at Donington Park |
| 2007 | RML | Chevrolet Lacetti | 22 | 5 | 10 | 109 | 6th | Strong mid-season form |
| 2008 | RML | Chevrolet Lacetti | 24 | 3 | 4 | 48 | 9th | Wins at Valencia, Brands Hatch, and another; mechanical issues |
| 2009 | RML | Chevrolet Cruze LT | 24 | 2 | 6 | 54 | 10th | - |
| 2010 | RML | Chevrolet Cruze LT | 24 | 1 | 7 | 95 | 6th | - |
| 2011 | RML | Chevrolet Cruze 1.6T | 24 | 5 | 12 | 265 | 3rd | - |
| 2012 | RML | Chevrolet Cruze 1.6T | 24 | 6 | 14 | 401 | 2nd | 12 points behind Yvan Muller; 23 career WTCC wins total |
International Formula 3000 Championship (F3000)
Menu's F3000 career was brief, with partial participation in 1990 and 1991, focusing on European rounds; he did not contest a full season and had no podiums.[66]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1990 | Draco Racing | Reynard 90M-Cosworth | 6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | Incomplete season; best finish 7th |
| 1991 | Forti Corse | Reynard 91M-Cosworth | 7 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 16th | Incomplete season; 3rd at Pau (fastest lap but no points finish) |
Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM)
Menu raced in the DTM across two stints: a single partial season in 1991 and full seasons from 2001 to 2003 with Opel, achieving a podium but no victories; the 2001 season was abbreviated due to series restructuring.[7][66]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | BMW M Team Schnitzer | BMW M3 E30 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | Partial season; DNQ at some events |
| 2001 | Opel Team Phoenix | Opel Astra V8 Coupe | 10 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | Abbreviated season |
| 2002 | Opel Team Phoenix | Opel Astra V8 Coupe | 10 | 0 | 1 | 7 | 9th | Podium at Sachsenring |
| 2003 | Opel Team Holzer | Opel Astra V8 Coupe | 10 | 0 | 0 | 9 | 9th | - |
Porsche Supercup
Menu made a limited appearance in the Porsche Supercup in 2013, contesting only the first two rounds with his own team; he did not score points and retired from competitive driving in the series thereafter.[7][67]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2013 | FACH Auto Tech | Porsche 911 GT3 Cup | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 16th at Monaco qualifying; no finishes in points |
TCR International Series
Menu's participation in the TCR International Series was sporadic from 2016 to 2017, with guest entries in select rounds; he achieved no wins but recorded top-10 finishes in partial campaigns.[10][68]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | WestCoast Racing | Honda Civic TCR | 4 | 0 | 0 | 36 | - | Partial season; best 7th at Salzburgring |
| 2017 | BRC Racing Team | Hyundai i30 N TCR | 4 | 0 | 0 | - | - | Guest races; DNQ at some events; best 10th |
Campionato Italiano Superturismo (Italian Touring Car Championship)
Menu competed in select rounds of the Italian Superturismo in 1995 as a guest, aligning with his BTCC commitments; no full-season entry or championship contention.[17]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1995 | Renault Sport | Renault Laguna | 2 | 0 | 1 | - | - | 2nd at Vallelunga; incomplete season |
V8 Supercars Championship / Bathurst 1000
Menu's sole involvement in V8 Supercars was a one-off endurance event at the 2000 Bathurst 1000, where he co-drove without series championship points pursuit.[7]| Year | Team | Car | Races | Wins | Podiums | Points | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Gibson Motorsport | Ford Falcon AU | 1 | 0 | 0 | - | 18th (Bathurst 1000) | Co-driver with Steven Ellsworth; completed 140 laps |
24 Hours of Le Mans
Menu entered the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice in the GTS class, with a class podium in 2004 but retiring early in 2002 due to fire; no overall contention.[7][54][69]| Year | Team | Car | Class | Laps | Position | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Prodrive Racing | Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello | GTS | 174 | DNF | Retired due to fire; 23rd overall at retirement |
| 2004 | Prodrive Racing | Ferrari 550-GTS Maranello | LMGTS | 222 | 4th (GTS) | 26th overall; co-drove with Pedro Lamy and Stéphane Sarrazin |