When Jean-Pierre Jabouille gave Renault its first victory in F1

Won by Jean-Pierre Jabouille, the 1979 French Grand Prix still remains today one of the most legendary events in the history of racing. Formula 1. On the Dijon-Prenois circuit, two events will help build the legend of Renault and three pilots: Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Rene Arnoux and Gilles Villeneuve. 

The hexagonal test must not be missed by the Diamond. Involved in F1 since 1977, the French brand has been trying to take turbo engine technology to the top of the hierarchy, without success. The English even gave the Renault the ironic nickname “Yellow Tea Pot” because of its propensity to explode its engines! Jean-Pierre Jabouille and René Arnoux are on a mission to restore their image at home. 

The Renault RS10 has finally come of age © DPPI

The South African Grand Prix, contested in Kyalami on March 3, is an opportunity for Renault to reassure itself with the pole position of Jean-Pierre Jabouille. He retired on the first lap... after the V6 turbo broke down. In short, there is work to be done! 

Fortunately, the French engineers have done a lot of work ahead of the French Grand Prix on July 1st. As a result, the Renault RS10, equipped with a double turbo capable of pushing the engine to 500 horsepower and 11 rpm, thrives on the long straight lines of the Dijon track. To the point that “Le Grand Blond” (Jean-Pierre Jabouille's nickname) took pole in 000'1''07, at an average speed of 190 km/h. It's even the first time that a French team has monopolized the front row in F203,602, with René Arnoux's second time.

Riding fast for 3,8 km is good, but going the distance is better. The pressure is therefore great on the shoulders of the French. The first meters are also slightly disappointing in that it is a red car which takes the lead in the Double Straight at Villeroy. This Ferrari is directed by Gilles Villeneuve. The Quebecer will lead the first 46 laps. At this moment, the French public is preparing to witness another defeat for Renault. But that was without counting on Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who came dangerously close to the Italian's exhausts. Overtaking takes place on the 47th lap.

While the turbo technology, revolutionary for the time in competition, was reaping its first well-deserved laurels, Gilles Villeneuve put himself in a 'defense' position against the return from the rear of René Arnoux. All F1 fans know what happened next: one, if not the most epic duel in motorsport. Wheels touch, cars jump over curbs, 

A historic podium and a race for eternity © DPPI

The Canadian will win, somewhat obscuring the feat of Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who it is true, drove in a more “clean” way to victory. As for René Arnoux, he never stops recalling this historic day. “Not a week goes by without someone talking to me about this fight. I knew Gilles wasn't going to give up, he explained in a sequence broadcast on Canal+ in 2018.

The history of French motorsport had just experienced one of its greatest days thanks to the talent and self-sacrifice of Jean-Pierre Jabouille.

ALSO READ > Jabouille and Renault, forever the first