I choose the 1980 Renault RE23 as a Greatest Racecar with a little controversy, you’ll see what I mean. Since the first design of the Renault turbo engine for Formula One, I was there testing and assisting in the development. The driving and work was hard, but I really enjoyed myself, it was very satisfying and rewarding. I was quite sceptical about the concept of this new engine which suffered many, many setbacks for a variety of reasons. We had a tough time trying to get the best out of the combination of a new engine, new car and new tires. Despite these initial problems, and as history shows, the car was eventually successful. For the 1977 season, which we joined after the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, and the 1978 season, I was the lone driver—something teams are not able to do in this modern era of racing.
The last race of the 1978 season showed we were making progress and getting better results with this new technology. At the third race of the 1979 season, the South African GP, I put the car on pole. I must admit the high altitude helped the performance of the engine, but it was a true reward for the team’s hard work. For 1979, I was joined by teammate Rene Arnoux, and it was fantastic to have someone else to take on a responsibility I had taken on alone. Unfortunately, my car retired with problems, but it showed future promise. The first win came at the French GP, at Dijon later that season. There was a certain added satisfaction that both the car and I should take a first win in France. Of course, this victory was diluted a little by the battle between my teammate and Gilles Villeneuve in the Ferrari. This is what the press seemed to give all the publicity to. The team was overjoyed with my win.
No Subscription? You’re missing out
Get immediate ad-free access to all our premium content.
