Former Formula 1 driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille, whose victory at the 1979 French Grand Prix was the first for a turbocharged car, has died at the age of 80.
Jabouille started in 49 races between 1975-1981, winning twice, but finishing only 10 races in a career marked by bad luck and unreliability.
His F1 career was effectively ended by a broken leg suffered in a crash in Canada in 1980. He attempted to return in 1981, but it quickly became clear he wasn't fully fit, and he retired from F1 mid-season.
READ MORE: Ex-Origin star out as Dragons injury woes worsen
READ MORE: World Cup coach announces shock resignation
READ MORE: The improbable case for axing David Warner
He continued to drive sportscars, finishing third at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1973, 1974, 1992 and 1993.
Jabouille's breakthrough win in 1979 came for the Renault team, now known as Alpine.
"BWT Alpine F1 Team is incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Jean-Pierre Jabouille," the team said in a statement.
"A humble racing driver, brilliant engineer, and a pioneer of our sport. Jean-Pierre was a true racer.
"He spearheaded Renault's journey into F1 in 1977 with his resilient and dare to do attitude. He was Renault's first Grand Prix winner in 1979, a landmark moment in Renault's journey in Formula 1. His determination and dedication to succeed inspired many, and these values remain central to the current team in its now blue colours of Alpine.
"We are where we are today because of Jean-Pierre and his legacy lives on.
"We'd like to extend our most sincere condolences to his family and close friends.
"Merci pour tout, Jean-Pierre."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
Former Formula 1 driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille, whose victory at the 1979 French Grand Prix was the first for a turbocharged car, has died at the age of 80.
Jabouille started in 49 races between 1975-1981, winning twice, but finishing only 10 races in a career marked by bad luck and unreliability.
His F1 career was effectively ended by a broken leg suffered in a crash in Canada in 1980. He attempted to return in 1981, but it quickly became clear he wasn't fully fit, and he retired from F1 mid-season.
READ MORE: Ex-Origin star out as Dragons injury woes worsen
READ MORE: World Cup coach announces shock resignation
READ MORE: The improbable case for axing David Warner
He continued to drive sportscars, finishing third at the Le Mans 24 Hours in 1973, 1974, 1992 and 1993.
Jabouille's breakthrough win in 1979 came for the Renault team, now known as Alpine.
"BWT Alpine F1 Team is incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Jean-Pierre Jabouille," the team said in a statement.
"A humble racing driver, brilliant engineer, and a pioneer of our sport. Jean-Pierre was a true racer.
"He spearheaded Renault's journey into F1 in 1977 with his resilient and dare to do attitude. He was Renault's first Grand Prix winner in 1979, a landmark moment in Renault's journey in Formula 1. His determination and dedication to succeed inspired many, and these values remain central to the current team in its now blue colours of Alpine.
"We are where we are today because of Jean-Pierre and his legacy lives on.
"We'd like to extend our most sincere condolences to his family and close friends.
"Merci pour tout, Jean-Pierre."
For a daily dose of the best of the breaking news and exclusive content from Wide World of Sports, subscribe to our newsletter by clicking here!
https://ift.tt/HP9rzFI//
No comments:
Post a Comment