Gérard Ducarouge has died

It is with sadness that we learned today of the death of Gérard Ducarouge (born October 23, 1941 in Paray-le-Monial, in Saône-et-Loire) following a long illness at the age of 73 years. Recruited by Matra Sports, an entity that had just been created, he worked in 1966 on the F3 Then F2 before leading the “sports-prototypes” team, which he led to victory in 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972, 1973 and 1974, the last two years mentioned having also seen the tricolor brand be titled in the sports-prototype world championship.

Matra ceasing all motorsport activity at the end of 1974, Gérard Ducarouge joined the team F1 by Guy Ligier, which has just seen the light of day. He was therefore part of the famous 1977 Swedish Grand Prix which saw the French team achieve its first victory thanks to Jacques Laffite. Others will follow until 1981, the year when Guy Ligier decides to part ways. Alfa Romeo the hiring at the request of Mario Andretti, where he did not stay more than two years when Lotus, who mourned Colin Chapman, hired his services in 1983.

The Frenchman will give Ethel's firm its letters of nobility. In 1985, he collaborated with Ayrton Senna, who won his first success that year in Estoril, Portugal, with the 97T. In 1988, Gérard Ducarouge left Lotus for Larousse before returning to Ligier in 1991 as technical director.

Recognized by specialists and his peers as one of the best engineers of his generation, he is a great figure in French motorsport who has left us. To his family and loved ones, the editorial staff of AUTOhebdo sends its most sincere condolences.