F1
46 years ago: Renault's first victory in Formula 1
Jean-Pierre Jabouille remains the hero of the Renault Turbo epic in Formula 1 © DPPI
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 French event must not be missed by the Diamond. Competing in F1 since 1977, the French brand has been trying to bring turbo engine technology to the top of the hierarchy, without success. The English have even given Renault the ironic nickname "Yellow Tea Pot" because of its propensity for its engines to explode! Jean-Pierre Jabouille and René Arnoux are tasked with restoring its reputation 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 Classic Ferrari for sale 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 turbo technology, revolutionary for the time in motorsport, was reaping its first deserved laurels, Gilles Villeneuve took up a defensive position against René Arnoux's comeback from behind. Every F1 fan knows what happened next: one of, if not the, most epic duels in motorsport. Wheels touched, cars jumped over the curbs...
A historic podium and a race for eternity © DPPI
The Canadian won, somewhat overshadowing the feat of Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who, admittedly, drove more "cleanly" to victory. As for René Arnoux, he never tires of 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
Medhi Casaurang
Passionate about the history of motorsport across all disciplines, I learned to read thanks to AUTOhebdo. At least that's what my parents tell everyone when they see my name inside!
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Alain Féguenne (Luxembourg)
03/07/2025 at 03:01 a.m.
Thank you to all those who came forward, in tribute to Renault, and especially to JP. Jabouille…….Thank you for ……him ……!!!! I will contact ….. you all…….. I am on vacation, for the moment, on a beautiful island Ischia, a magnificent place. Park Hotel Terme ……. I want to thank AutoHebdo ….. for the tribute …… JP.Jabouille…… he deserves it, even if he is no longer …….here. 😎👍🇱🇺
Brid Get
02/07/2025 at 06:31 a.m.
By the way Alain...... Féguenne if you live in Luxembourg I would like to meet you if you agree, I live in Jarny in Meurthe et Moselle 55 km from Luxembourg, I don't know if AUTOhebdo allows me but here is my telephone number: +336 84 76 22 31, good evening to you....
Brid Get
02/07/2025 at 06:19 a.m.
I was there too, I was 24 years old (I was born on February 11, 1955 a few days before a certain ....... Alain), it was our first GP (1 francs entry in 70 !!!!!) and also in 79 and the first victory of the "Professor" !!!! Two magnificent days that I will never forget !!!! Daniel, Brid get's husband !!!.........
DOG
02/07/2025 at 09:27 a.m.
I was there. A superb atmosphere with a group of Italian supporters and their small portable TV, which allowed us to follow the duel throughout the circuit. And great respect between us.
Alain Féguenne (Luxembourg)
02/07/2025 at 08:08 a.m.
Hello everyone…… those who are starting to know me, that I am passionate about Renault and JP. Jabouille……. Watkins Glen first points, South Africa (Pole-Position……) and especially the French GP, an exceptional race, and especially the first victory of JP.Jabouille…. And an extraordinary duel between Gilles and René, 😎🍾🍾🍾🍾🍾. Renault-Turbo technology has revolutionized the world of F1 ……. 😎👀👍