Henri Pescarolo

Henri Jacques William Pescarolo (25 September 1942 - Present): French racing driver from Montfermeil near Paris who competed in Formula One from 1968 to 1976 and became one of the greatest endurance racing drivers in motorsport history. Began his career in 1965 with a Lotus Seven, progressing quickly through the junior formulae. Joined the Matra Formula 3 team in 1966, winning the 1967 European Formula 3 Championship with Matra, earning promotion to Formula 2 for 1968. Partnered Jean-Pierre Beltoise in Formula 2, achieving several second-place finishes and a victory at Albi, which led to his Formula One promotion.

Made his Formula One debut in the final three races of 1968 with Matra's works team, beginning a nine-season grand prix career. Participated in 64 Formula One World Championship Grands Prix from 1968 to 1976, achieving one podium finish, one fastest lap, and scoring 12 championship points. Drove primarily for Matra, March, and BRM during his Formula One career, competing mostly in midfield equipment. Achieved his only Formula One podium at the 1970 Monaco Grand Prix, finishing third on the streets of Monte Carlo behind Jochen Rindt and Jack Brabham in the Matra-Simca MS120, demonstrating his street circuit abilities.

While his Formula One career was respectable but not spectacular, Pescarolo achieved legendary status in endurance racing, particularly at the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Won the 24 Hours of Le Mans four times: in 1972, 1973, and 1974 driving for Matra (three consecutive victories), and again in 1984 with Porsche after a decade-long gap. His three consecutive Le Mans victories from 1972-1974 with teammates including Gérard Larrousse established him as one of endurance racing's elite drivers. Holds the all-time record for most starts at the 24 Hours of Le Mans with an extraordinary 33 appearances spanning from 1966 to 1999, a record that may never be broken.

Continued competing at Le Mans well into his fifties, demonstrating remarkable longevity and consistency in one of motorsport's most demanding events. Beyond driving, founded Pescarolo Sport, a successful sports car racing team that competed in the Le Mans Series and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans from 2000 to 2010. The team developed their own Pescarolo sports prototypes, achieving podium finishes and class victories at Le Mans. Pescarolo Sport became one of the most recognizable privateer teams in modern endurance racing, with their distinctive orange and black livery.

As of 2025, Pescarolo remains active in motorsport, attending Le Mans annually and maintaining his status as one of the race's most revered figures. Known for his smooth driving style, exceptional consistency over 24-hour distances, and deep understanding of endurance racing strategy. His 33 Le Mans starts and four victories establish him as one of the event's immortals, with his record of starts standing as testament to four decades of dedication to endurance racing.