Dubai: Some of the closest friends and mentors of Christophe Hissette paid glowing tributes to the late driver. "Christophe was part of our life and my family ever since he started his career in karting as a 14-year-old way back in 1995," recounted Paul Berger, one of the early architects of karting in the UAE.
"When one considers that this was a man who was a sort of pioneer in UAE motor sport as he started racing maybe 10 years before any proper facility was put up here. And even when the Dubai Autodrome came, Christophe was there from the first day," Berger added.
Berger recollected how the enthusiastic teenager showed eagerness to compete in the first 24-hour karting race in 1996.
"He was only 15 and as per the rules he was under age, so I did not allow him to race. He acted as one of my marshals and came back the following year to race in the 24-hour race," Berger said. "It's truly a sad day for all of us and we will miss him immensely."
Multiple world champion David Terrien who was very close to Hissette also treasured fond memories of the late driver. "He was nice, friendly and always so sweet to all he came in contact. He was extra special with the beginners at the Kartdrome," Terrien said.
