Motorsport mourns the death of Jean-Pierre Jussaud, a French driver who helped write the legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans with two victories signed in 1978 with Didier Pironi, then with Jean Rondeau two years later.
The Normand was part with Henri Pescarolo, Gérard Larousse, Jean-Pierre Jabouille, Didier Pironi or even Patrick Tambay of a golden generation for the motorsport industry in France.
He passed away on the night of Wednesday to Thursday at the age of 84.
Double winner at Le Mans with two French manufacturers
If he raced in Formula 3 (victory at the Monaco Grand Prix), Formula 2, in the World Touring Car Championship and then in supertourism, Jean-Pierre Jussaud has above all built his legend in Endurance, at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. .
A race that the Normand has competed in 13 times, 11 times to defend the colors of a French manufacturer.
Jean-Pierre Jussaud made Renault and Rondeau triumph in the Sarthe.
Motor Sport Magazine
In Sarthe, he took part in the Matra adventure alongside Henri Pescarolo, at the end of the 1960s (3rd in 1973) but it was with Renault, in 1978, alongside Didier Pironi that he had a first consecration in 1978. A consecration that allowed him to descend the Champs-Élysées under police escort.
Two years later, the Le Mans event falls once again in its purse, under the colors of Rondeau, this time, and alongside Jean Rondeau, at the wheel of the M379, after a standoff with the Porsches.
A freelance in the Dakar but no Formula 1
A motor sports enthusiast, Rondeau did not have the opportunity to shine in Formula 1. His career has nevertheless led him to the desert of Paris-Dakar with a podium at the key with Mercedes in 1982. He has continued to compete until 1992 before becoming an instructor while continuing to have fun behind the wheel, on and off, until the early 2000s.
“Papy Jaussaud has passed away, but the memories will remain intact.
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Pierre Fillon
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With the death of Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, a legend of the 24 Hours of Le Mans is passing away. Jean-Pierre was not only a very talented driver, but also a particularly appreciated person in the paddock. Papy Jaussaud has passed away, but the memories will remain intact. His emotion on the podium in 1978 marked a generation of enthusiasts. His victory in 1980 with his teammate and friend Jean Rondeau will forever be one of motorsport's greatest achievements. On behalf of all of ACO, I would like to extend my sincere condolences to his family and loved ones
», Commented Pierre Fillon, president of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest and organizer of the 24 Hours of Le Mans. We can bet that the most prestigious endurance race will pay tribute to one of its emblematic figures in a month's time, on the occasion of the 2021 edition (August 21-August 22).