Jean-Pierre Jaussaud 1937-2021

When AUTOhebdo was born in 1976, Jean-Pierre Jaussaud was already nicknamed “Papy”. Because as he approached his forties, the Caennais continued to face the young guns of the F2 in the hope of reaching the Grail: this steering wheel F1 who always refused him. As affectionate as it is, this nickname was a little unfair, because we have never met a pilot as young in spirit as Jean-Pierre. Born on June 3, 1937, this son of a wholesale grocer discovered motorsport in the 1950s, when the F1 came to perform in Caen, on the Circuit de la Prairie. In France, nothing exists to help young people get started. We prefer to send them to Algeria… Twenty-nine months later, Jean-Pierre can finally start in karting, his 78 kg forcing him to develop a way of driving which will make him one of the most beautiful stylists of his generation.

A story closely linked to 24H of Le Mans © DPPI

The 2CV tortured in the Italian passes during its honeymoon with “Fanchon” also constitutes an excellent initiation. Things could have ended there for the young manager of a plastic injection company if an article praising the Jim Russell flight school had not changed his destiny. In Snetterton, England. He proves to be an excellent student, but instead of the promised six races, Russell suggests that he enroll in the school he plans to open in Magny-Cours. A blessing in disguise, because Shell will reward the best student with a s