From a humble start to needless death |
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 | Jean Rondeau, the only driver to win Le Mans in their own car |
December 1997 | Adam Cooper |
Jean Rondeau, born on this day in 1946, was the only man ever to drive a car bearing his own name to victory at Le Mans. From his humble start to his needless death, his story is truly incredible. Adam Cooper reports in today's Great Read
Jean Rondeau did not always play by the rules; anyone who had the nerve to test pukka Le Mans cars on the public roads was bound to be a little reckless in his approach to life. But, on December 27th 1985, he pushed the limits too far.
Waiting in a queue of cars at a level crossing near his base at Champagne-sur-Sarthe, he was irked to see a police vehicle snake through the gates on the other side of the road. Perhaps thinking that as a local celebrity he had the right to emulate the gendarmes, he pulled his Porsche 944 out of the traffic and accelerated past the incredulous drivers of the other vehicles. It was a decision of mind-numbing stupidity, and it cost him his life. |
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Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show is back with an exclusive offer! |
Exclusive Offer: Book by 22 May with code MDMMNEWS to enjoy £2 off per ticket AND enter a draw to win a BOXO UK Master Socket Set & Rimmer Bros Boot Rack, combined worth £572. |
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The Lancaster Insurance Classic Motor Show returns to Birmingham's NEC from 7–9 November 2025, featuring:
• 3,000+ classic vehicles on display. • 338 motoring clubs presenting rare models. • 600+ classics for sale via dealers and auctions. • 450+ exhibitors with parts and restoration services.
Additional attractions include the UK's largest indoor autojumble, the Meguiar's Club Showcase, Pride of Ownership competitions, live auctions, celebrity appearances, and more.
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The comedy amid one of F1's most traumatic weekends |
The danger of Formula 1 in the 1980s was all too apparent during a tragic weekend at Zolder 44 years ago, writes Matt Bishop. But even that Belgian Grand Prix had its lighter moments |
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Video: 1950 British GP in colour for the first time to celebrate birth of F1 |
Formula 1 has released footage of the first-ever world championship grand prix, in colour as never before, to celebrate 75 years since the Silverstone race in 1950 |
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Video: 1950 British GP in colour for the first time to celebrate birth of F1 |
Formula 1 has released footage of the first-ever world championship grand prix, in colour as never before, to celebrate 75 years since the Silverstone race in 1950 |
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Motor Sport Magazine, 18-20 Rosemont Road, London, NW3 6NE. |
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© 2025 Motor Sport Magazine,
All rights reserved.
Motor Sport Magazine,
18-20 Rosemont Road,
London, NW3 6NE. |
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