The first Renault Formula 1 driver to win a Grand Prix with a turbocharged engine; Jean-Pierre Jabouille has died at the age of 80.
Sad news as the world of Motorsport mourns the loss of Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who drove for Renault during the years 1977 until 1980.
The Frenchman competed in 49 Grands Prix and won in 2, scoring 6 pole positions throughout his F1 career. He was considered one of the unluckiest drivers in the history of the sport having only completed 10 of the races he entered.
Related Articles
Jabouille also drove in Le Mans for many years throughout his career and ended on the podium 4 times in 1973, ‘74, ‘92 and finally in ‘93.
“BWT Alpine F1 Team is incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Jean-Pierre Jabouille. 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.”
BWT Alpine Statement
His old F1 team now known as Alpine, lead the tributes to the great man.
Jean-Pierre Jabouille started racing quite late in life at the age of 23. He had success in F2 in 1976 where he won the championship after driving in the series for several years.
Fellow Frenchman Alain Prost was quick to make a statement on the loss of his friend and mentor.
“A black year for French F1 and a great moment of sadness,”
“RIP Jean Pierre! You were a true friend as well as a mentor when I started. Your advice and analysis were very valuable to me.
Alain Prost on the passing of Parisian racing driver Jean-Pierre Jabouille
The post Jean-Pierre Jabouille French F1 Driver Dies aged 80 appeared first on EverythingF1 - Formula 1 News and Updates.
