Jean-Pierre Jarier

Jean-Pierre Jacques Jarier (10 July 1946 - Present): French racing driver from Charenton-le-Pont who competed in Formula One from 1971 to 1983. Despite never winning a Grand Prix, Jarier achieved 3 podiums across 134 races with March, Shadow, ATS, Lotus, Ligier, and Osella. Won the 1973 European Formula Two Championship with March, demonstrating his exceptional talent. Made F1 debut at 1971 Italian Grand Prix with March.

His most competitive period came with Shadow (1974-1977), where he scored all three of his podiums and achieved 4 pole positions. At the 1975 Brazilian Grand Prix, Jarier took his first pole and led convincingly before fuel pressure issues denied him certain victory. Again at the 1979 British Grand Prix with Tyrrell, he dominated from pole position before an engine failure robbed him of his first win with just 12 laps remaining. These heartbreaking near-misses defined his career.

Moved to Ligier in 1978-1979, then Tyrrell in 1979-1980, before brief stints with Osella and Ligier again. Participated in 12 Le Mans 24 Hours races between 1967-1987, finishing third in 1974. Known for his speed and bravery, Jarier remains one of the fastest drivers never to win a Grand Prix.