Jacques Laffite

Jacques-Henri Laffite (born 21st November, 1943 in Paris, France) is a French former racing driver who most famously competed in Formula One.

Formula One

1976-: Ligier

In 1976, Laffite was signed to drive for the Ligier team in their debut season. Laffite would be the French squad's sole full season driver this season, with the other Ligier being used by various pay drivers throughout the year.

Laffite and Ligier proved their worth in the championship early on, taking consecutive podiums at the South African and US West Grands Prix. His next breakthrough would be his (and Ligier's) first win at the French Grand Prix, taking advantage of the withdrawal of the Ferrari team following the death of Niki Lauda.

For much of the season, Laffite found himself fighting for the lower points paying positions with Brabham's British driver James Hunt, though Laffite would outscore Hunt by ten points on his way to fifth in the championship.

The following season, Laffite remained at Ligier - this time joined by Belgian Jacky Ickx. By 1977, the midfield was even more competitive than before, with the Williams Racing squad joining the upper echelon of teams, meaning the fight for points was more intense than ever.

His first three Grands Prix would end in retirement, with the Frenchman having to wait for the Spanish Grand Prix for his usual pace to return - taking a third place.