MARLBOROUGH College student Alessandro Latif may be gearing up for his debut in the world-famous Le Mans 24-hour race next weekend (June 14-15) - but not before he has taken his first A-level exams.

The 18 year old has been given permission to sit three exams in Paris next week before taking another less than 24 hours after the finish of this year’s twice-around-the-clock endurance sportscar race.

He will use the high-speed TGV train to make the 120-mile journey on three consecutive days to take mathematics, advanced maths and physics exams.

While Tuesday is essentially a free day on the week-long Le Mans programme, Wednesday and Thursday – the other days Alessandro must commute to the French capital – feature practice and qualifying on the schedule that goes on until midnight.

Latif, who only turned 18 in April, will race a British-built Zytek in the 82nd running of the gruelling race that begins on Saturday, June 14 at 2pm (British time).

The London-born youngster, drives for the Greaves Motorsport with British duo Michaël Munneman and James Winslow.

Latif is the youngest British driver in the 168-driver, 56-car field and could become the second youngest driver in the history of the event to finish the annual Le Mans race.

ALESSANDRO'S RACE-WEEK TIMETABLE

All times in Central European time

Sunday, June 8: Leaves London and travels to Le Mans

Monday, June 9 - 4.40-5.10pm: Administrative and technical scrutineering; 7pm: Leaves Le Mans and travels to Paris by TGV.

Tuesday, June 10 - 9am: Mathematics examination begins; 3pm: Leaves Paris and travel to Le Mans by TGV; 5.30pm: Driver’s Autograph session at Le Mans.

Wednesday,  June 11 - 11am: Leaves Le Mans and travel to Paris by TGV; 3pm: Physics examination begins; 5pm: Leaves Paris and travel to Le Mans by TGV; 4-8pm: Free Practice; 10pm-12am: Qualifying.

Thursday, June 12 - 11am: Leaves Le Mans and travel to Paris by TGV; 3pm: Maths examination begins; 5pm: Leaves Paris and travel to Le Mans by TGV; 7-9pm & 10pm-12am: Qualifying.

Friday, June 13 - 5.30-7.30pm: Driver’s Parade in town centre.

Saturday,  June 14 - 9-9.45am: Warm-up; 3pm: Race start.

Sunday, June 15 - 3pm: Race finish

MORE ON THIS STORY, INCLUDING AN INTERVIEW WITH ALESSANDRO IN NEXT WEEK'S GAZETTE & HERALD