Ligier passed away at the age of 85

The former pilot and historic patron Guy ligier he left us last Sunday at 85 years old.

Born in 1930 in Vichy, he began working as a butcher and then moved on to rowing, where he became national champion in 1947.

A sportsman in his blood, he had also represented his country in rugby but due to some injuries he had to end his career prematurely.

Having entered the world of construction, he contributed to the design of the local motorway system, before dedicating himself to two wheels between 1959 and 1960 and then to four wheels in Formula Junior and in 1964 in the 24H of Le Mans with a Porsche 904.

Having arrived in F1 in 1966 in Monte Carlo with a Cooper Maserati, he competed in just twelve races due to the shock following the tragic death of his friend Jo Schlesser. Few notable results other than sixth place in Germany in '67.

Having converted to a manufacturer, his first car took the name of JS1 in honor of his deceased companion. Following the purchase of Matra Sports in 1974 he returned to the top flight two seasons later with his own team.

Chiara Rainis