Jean Behra would have celebrated his 104th birthday, a look back at his career

Born February 16, 1921 in Nice (Alpes-Maritimes)

Died on August 1, 1959 in Berlin (Germany)

Like Jean-Pierre Jarier or Jean Alesi, Jean Behra did not meet F1 the success he deserved. If the Niçois won a dozen times at this level, it was never in the context of the world championship. His accidents and injuries also built his legend: Panamerican 52, Pau 53, Tourist Trophy 55 (where he left an ear on the ground…), Caracas 57… So much suffering that in no way altered his enthusiasm.

It was on soapboxes, then on a bicycle, that this son of a radio-electrician got his taste of competition. As gifted for mechanics as for driving, Behra prepared his bicycles himself, then later his motorcycles. In 1945, he won his first race in Nice at the wheel of a Terrot. Four national titles followed, notably on a Guzzi. It was in October 1949 that he took part in his first car race, finishing 6th in the Coupes du Salon on a Talbot from Écurie France. The following year, he came 3rd in the rally from Monte Carlo on a Simca 8.

At Mont Ventoux, he won his category at the wheel of a Maserati 1500. Gordini included him in his team for the Bol d'Or, then the 24 Hours of Le Mans. In 1951, he was still only a reservist for the French manufacturer. This is how it begins in F2 in Les Sables d'Olonnes, and in