The Charade Circuit SuperShow, held annually in Auvergne, is much more than just a classic event: it's a celebration of passion, sharing, and memories that span the ages. This gathering, which brings together drivers, fans, and legends of motorsport and motorcycling, offers unique moments every year, where emotion meets performance. In 2025, the event was set for the weekend of June 22, an opportunity to look back on this edition with two former drivers, who donned leather for the event: Christian Sarron and Philippe Alliot.
Organized on June 21 and 22 in Auvergne, the Charade Supershow brought together many motorsport personalities. In addition to Christian Sarron, French Grand Prix world champion, and Philippe Alliot, former Formula 1 driver, other figures from all disciplines, whether on two or four wheels, gathered for the occasion. Among them were Franck Montagny (Formula 1) and Gérard Larousse, Ari Vatanan (Rally) and Antoine Méo (Enduro).
The Supershow is an opportunity to see vintage cars on the track, but also to interact with the stars who once dominated motorsports championships. And when you ask the event's protagonists, the enthusiasm of the enthusiasts seems unchanged.
“It’s always a pleasure, it’s true, Christian Sarron told us the day after the 2025 edition of the Supershow. Above all, it makes me realize that I owe them a lot. I have a lot of respect for all the fans who come, which is why I participate in these classic events. It's a way to be able to meet the fans again and thank them for their support.
“There is a phrase that comes up very often, it’s when they tell me: ‘You made me dream all my youth.’ It touches me enormously, He continues. We're always happy to get together with friends, even brothers in arms, because in motorcycling, I think that at one time, we were going to war. There were risks, and I lost a lot of friends. So between brothers in arms, even if we were adversaries on the track, there was a deep respect between us. There always has been in motorcycling, and even more so before than now. So on these occasions, it makes me happy to meet up with friends."
Friendly moments shared in the unique atmosphere of the Charade circuit, which brings back memories of youth for the elderly, allow young people to delve into the past. But they aren't the only ones whose heads are full of memories on this historic circuit. “When I was young, my brother and I used to go and watch F1 at Charade, confides Philippe Alliot. With Jackie Stewart and Helmut Marko, so I was a little emotional going back there. These are childhood memories that make it always a pleasure to go back there."
Philippe Alliot and Christian Sarron wearing period leathers, dating from the 1994 Bol d'Or © Philippe Alliot
Two historic motorcycles by Christian Sarron exhibited at Charade
Last weekend, the 1984 250cc world champion chartered two motorcycles on the Charade circuit. The first, an XSR 900 Sarron, a bike released by Yamaha two years ago, in the colors of the rider's 500cc. The second, a replica of Christian Sarron's 250cc, bearing the number 2 (photo above). A machine built by Yamaha Amsterdam, from the mechanics to the paintwork.
To ride these two bikes, there was Christian Sarron on one side, and Philippe Alliot on the other. Two riders who competed at the highest level in their respective disciplines, at the same time, and whose friendship has lasted for more than 30 years. Their demonstration at Charade was not their first together, since one fine day, they had already exchanged their cars on the Paul-Ricard circuit, as the French rider tells us. A second machine that the owner of the circuit was delighted to acquire, as Christian Sarron tells us.
“When I was in Formula 1, I lent him my single-seater, and he lent me his Grand Prix bike, adds Philippe Alliot. It was an extremely interesting exchange, because I love motorbikes too. Where I used to go to 300 in F1, on a motorbike I used to go to 160. On the other hand, in acceleration and in a straight line, the motorbike is superior to the F1. In terms of sensations, obviously, as you touch the road and you are outside the vehicle, they are different, but both tools are exceptional to ride.
30 years later, the observation is identical: "This time, he gave me a very sophisticated Yamaha, with a racing tire that Michelin had given him. So I can tell you, I had a blast."
The XSR 900 Sarron as presented by Yamaha in 2021 © Yamaha
One regret? Not having been able to push the machine to its limits, because even as the years go by, the adrenaline still flows through their veins when it comes to getting back on the handlebars. After a few hundred meters, the competitive spirit that has driven them throughout their careers quickly caught up with them. "The Charade circuit isn't really suited to this type of bike, but it was still fantastic. I knew I had Christian behind me, with a racing bike, and he couldn't help but overtake me and show me he was stronger than me (laughs)!"
In addition to the shared pleasure on the track riding these classic cars, the two drivers would have spent hours signing autographs with fans, who rarely came empty-handed and came from all over the world. “It’s always a pleasure to see that people remember what I did, smiles Christian Sarron. They come with souvenirs from the time, books, photos, or magazines. Sometimes even anecdotes. It really makes me happy."
“I never imagined I would spend four hours signing autographs over two days, adds Philippe Alliot. People come with newspapers that you were in, and all sorts of objects.Seeing people who are absolutely passionate, and realizing that they are still there, still as passionate about motorsports, is fantastic. In these events, your ego is flattered. You are adored by the crowds, thirty years later. In a way, it's a great emotion, I'm proud of it. They are nice enthusiasts, and there is a great atmosphere there, in Auvergne, in a sublime environment.
