Rene Arnoux: An F1 maverick
Frenchman Rene Arnoux went from grand prix winner with Renault and Ferrari to obstinate Ligier backmarker. PETER MILLS tells the story of a man who did things his own way
An attentive visitor to an early eighties grand prix grid may well have had his or her curiosity aroused by an unusual sight; a slightly unkempt figure lying in the unorthodox position of back against grass verge, eyes closed, hands behind head and bandied legs pointing skywards against Armco.
Rene Arnoux possessed an informal manner but his uncompromising prowess behind the wheel resulted in 18 pole positions and seven wins. The determination required to rise from a humble background to the sybaritic lifestyle of a Ferrari driver perhaps explains much: the all-out wheel-banging over 'minor' placings, the stubbornness when being lapped and the slight air of the maverick.
Share Or Save This Story
Autosport 70: Why Portimao is the right home for the Portuguese GP
FV8 3.5 race winner Orudzhev switches to title-winning AVF team
FIA urged to bring Formula 1 feeder series together for cost talks
Pietro Fittipaldi tops day two of FV8 3.5 Jerez test
Jerez FV8 3.5 testing: Fioravanti leads Scott on opening day
Tom Dillmann unsure of 2017 plans after Formula V8 3.5 title
Tom Dillmann wins 2016 Formula V8 3.5 title with win in finale
How the post-Renault 3.5 series is shaping up
Paddon seals back-to-back ERC titles in Poland
Exclusive: FIA would need ‘to cross a barrier’ to support 25 F1 races
How a world karting champion ended up an F1 team boss
De Vries critical of "domestic-specific" Super Formula penalty
The detail focus that will make Audi’s Red Bull hire a hit team boss
The Russell traits that will ease his adaption to becoming Mercedes team leader
How McLaren went from back to front in 18 months
Jon Noble: The one thing McLaren must leave behind for the title run-in
Subscribe and access Autosport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
