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Chennai: Actor and motorsport enthusiast Ajith Kumar has expressed his gratitude to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister C. Joseph Vijay ahead of the Michelin Le Mans Cup race at Silverstone, where Vijay is set to wave the ceremonial green flag.

Speaking from the iconic Silverstone circuit in the UK, Ajith said he was extremely thankful to Vijay for taking time out of his schedule to attend the event. He also expressed happiness over seeing Vijay serve as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and backed the State government’s growing focus on sports and motorsport.

The development has attracted considerable attention because Ajith and Vijay have been among Tamil cinema’s biggest stars for more than three decades. Their perceived rivalry has frequently fuelled fan debates, but their recent interaction at Silverstone has been viewed as a notable gesture of mutual support.

Vijay to flag off Silverstone race

Vijay is in the UK on his first overseas visit as Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and is scheduled to attend the Michelin Le Mans Cup’s Silverstone round on September 12.

The Le Mans Cup organisers officially announced that Vijay would wave the green flag to start the race. The event will feature a 44-car grid, with the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister attending to support the Indian drivers competing at the international motorsport event.

Ajith is competing in the LMP3 Pro/Am category for his team, Ajith RedAnt by Virage. He will race alongside French driver Romain Vozniak. Former Formula 1 driver Narain Karthikeyan and Aditya Patel are also part of the Indian contingent competing at Silverstone.

Ajith welcomes Vijay’s support for motorsport

Ajith has previously welcomed the Tamil Nadu government’s plans to strengthen sports infrastructure, including dedicated support for motorsport.

Earlier this month, the actor-racer thanked Vijay for giving attention to different sporting disciplines and described the government’s motorsport initiatives as an important step for the sport in India.

Ajith had also expressed hope that Tamil Nadu could develop infrastructure capable of hosting major international motorsport events in the future.

The State government has announced plans for a dedicated Motor Sports City in Chennai as part of a wider development programme. The proposed facility is intended to support motorsport activities ranging from grassroots training to higher-level racing, with ambitions to attract major international events.

Ajith hopes Chennai can have a Silverstone-like facility

During his interaction at Silverstone, Ajith spoke positively about the significance of having an international-standard racing facility.

He expressed his happiness over Vijay’s presence at the circuit and indicated that he would like to see Chennai eventually develop a venue comparable to Silverstone.

For Ajith, who has balanced his film career with competitive motorsport, such infrastructure could provide opportunities for aspiring Indian racers and help strengthen the country’s motorsport ecosystem.

His comments come as Tamil Nadu seeks to expand its reputation as a major sporting destination beyond traditional disciplines.

A notable moment for Ajith and Vijay fans

The appearance of Ajith and Vijay at the same international sporting event has generated significant interest among their fan bases.

The two actors have been associated with one of Tamil cinema’s most prominent perceived rivalries for decades. Their fans have often been divided into opposing groups, particularly on social media.

However, both actors have previously played down the idea of personal hostility. Ajith has spoken positively about Vijay in the past, while Vijay’s presence at the Silverstone event has now created an opportunity for the two stars to be associated with a common cause — supporting Indian motorsport.

The moment has consequently been seen by many fans as a symbolic shift away from the rivalry narrative that has surrounded the two actors for years.

Ajith continues his motorsport journey

Ajith has established himself as a serious motorsport participant alongside his acting career. His racing experience includes participation in international endurance events, and his team has competed in major races including the 24H Dubai.

At Silverstone, he will compete in the Michelin Le Mans Cup, an endurance racing championship that serves as a pathway for drivers seeking to progress towards larger competitions such as the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.

The Silverstone round is the fifth round of the 2026 Michelin Le Mans Cup season. The race will be held on the 5.891-km Grand Prix circuit.

Vijay’s UK visit combines investment and sports

Vijay’s visit to the UK is not limited to the Silverstone race. The Chief Minister is also scheduled to hold meetings with investors and business representatives as part of efforts to attract investment to Tamil Nadu.

His presence at the motorsport event adds a sporting dimension to the overseas visit and allows the State to showcase its ambitions in the international motorsport arena.

For Ajith, meanwhile, Vijay’s attendance carries personal significance as well as wider importance for Indian racing. His public appreciation of the Chief Minister’s support indicates the actor’s interest in seeing motorsport receive greater institutional backing.

Conclusion

Ajith Kumar’s appreciation of Vijay ahead of the Silverstone Le Mans Cup race has added a significant off-track moment to the international motorsport event. With Vijay set to wave the green flag and Ajith competing on the circuit, the occasion brings together Tamil Nadu’s political leadership, cinema and motorsport on a global platform.