Loris Kessel

Loris Kessel (born 1st April, 1950 in Lugano, Switzerland, died 15th May 2010 in Montagnola, Switzerland) was a Swiss racing driver known for his appearances in Formula One.

Kessel made his F1 debut for the Ligier team at the 1976 German Grand Prix, where he'd qualify in an impressive eighth place. A race of attrition and survival saw Kessel score two points by taking a fifth place on the road. Kessel would also race at the following race in Austria, where he'd finish just outside the points in seventh position.

With Ligier opting to sign Jacky Ickx for 1977, Kessel would opt for the small British outfit B&S Fabrications - failing to pre-qualify for the Monaco Grand Prix. A frustrated Kessel would leave the team after and begin to design his own car - the Apollon Fly. He'd attempt to race this car at the Italian Grand Prix, with Giorgio Francia driving a second car, but neither driver made the grid.