F1

Jean-Pierre Jabouille and Renault, forever the first

After years of efforts, disappointments and taunts, Renault finally reached its goal by bringing a turbo engine to Formula 1 during the 1979 French Grand Prix in Dijon-Prenois. A historic success signed by one of the pioneers of the project, Jean-Pierre Jabouille, before the eyes of a French public who also treated Gilles Villeneuve and René Arnoux to a legendary duel.

Published 02/02/2025 à 16:22

Julien BILLIOTTE

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Jean-Pierre Jabouille and Renault, forever the first

Jean-Pierre Jabouille makes history © Bernard Asset

From Dijon 1979, more than the exploit of Jabouille, history tends to remember the titanic struggle waged by the Ferrari by Gilles Villeneuve and the Renault de Rene Arnoux in the final laps of a Grand Prix that has since gone down in history. However, the tightrope walkers, as impressive as they were on that July 1st, were "only" fighting for second place. Behind, far behind, was Jean-Pierre Jabouille, who had led at full speed to race towards a prestigious victory. Starting from pole position, the Renault driver was surprised at the start by Villeneuve's passion. The Quebecer would lead the first 46 laps, before Jabouille delivered the final blow to complete a patient and methodical comeback. Just like him.

« I quickly made a first ten

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Julien BILLIOTTE

AUTOhebdo deputy editor-in-chief. The feather dipped in gall.

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