Disappearance of Claude Le Guézec

Passed away at the age of 98, the man we called “Le Zec” was a multi-faceted figure in motorsport. Of Breton origin, he studied English and law before making a career in the automobile industry, being in turn a journalist, a car salesman and then a dealer.

He distinguished himself in rally from 1951 to 1966, both at the wheel and in the role of teammate, notably with Bernard Consten and Jo de Schlesser. He competed in the most beautiful events of the time: Monte-Carlo, Tour Auto, Liège-Rome-Liège, Mille Milles, Safari.

Became sales manager at Garage Mirabeau, which imported Aston Martin in the early 60s, he became John Wyer's assistant at the 24 Hours of Le Mans and won the 1964 Routes du Nord rally for this brand. In March 1965, he joined the young Matra Sports team as sporting director.

Having more of a rally culture than a circuit, he experienced difficult relationships with the drivers, which led to the departure of Eric Offenstadt after three races! It would not be much better with Johnny Servoz-Gavin and Jean-Pierre Beltoise and it was following a disagreement with the latter that he had to leave the team at the start of 1970.

After orchestrating the participation of Peugeot of the Argentine importer in the 1970 London-Mexico marathon, he became sporting director of Ligier in 1971, before being appointed secretary general of the CSI (International Sports Commission) from 1972 to 1977. He retired near Grasse, where he died on November 27.