Porsche celebrates 85th birthday of racing icon Gérard Larrousse

Porsche pays tribute to Gérard Larrousse on his 85th birthday, recalling his Le Mans legacy and victories with Elford and Pescarolo.

A racer who let his actions speak louder than words — this is how Gérard Larrousse is remembered, as Porsche marks his 85th birthday by celebrating a man whose legacy shaped both the brand’s identity and motorsport history.

Born in Lyon, Larrousse began his career with persistence and tactical insight. After studying economics and serving in a military high-speed vehicle unit, he dove into professional racing. By the late 1960s, he had already secured victories in the Tour de Corse and Rallye du Maroc, and by 1969 was runner-up in the European Rally Championship. Porsche took notice — especially after a controversial disqualification from the Monte Carlo Rally, where he and co-driver Jean-Claude Perramond dominated but were removed over a headlight issue. That moment underscored his fighting spirit rather than tarnishing his reputation.

Recommended by Vic Elford, Larrousse joined Porsche’s factory team in 1969 and immediately became part of racing folklore. That year at Le Mans, he and Hans Herrmann finished just 120 meters behind the winning Ford GT40 — one of the closest finishes in the event’s history. Two years later, he and Elford triumphed at the 12 Hours of Sebring despite brake issues, then claimed victory at the Nürburgring 1000 km in a Porsche 908/03. These wins solidified not only their reputations but Porsche’s dominance in endurance racing.

The pinnacle came with back-to-back Le Mans victories in 1973 and 1974, this time driving for Matra-Simca alongside Henri Pescarolo. Larrousse showed that versatility is not just rare — it’s powerful. He mastered both the gravel of rallying and the strategy of long-distance circuits.

Even after retiring from driving, Larrousse stayed in the game. He served as sporting director for Renault and co-founded the Larrousse Calmels Formula 1 team, which achieved a podium in Japan in 1990 — a testament to his vision off the track.

In 2015, Larrousse took part in the Tour de Corse Historique, sharing stories and insights that made him a living archive of a bygone era. His views, especially his concerns about the over-commercialization of racing, remain relevant and respected.

At 85, Gérard Larrousse continues to symbolize a time when motorsport combined speed with substance, and technology with humanity. His legacy isn’t just measured in laps or podiums — but in the values he championed on and off the track.

Source: porsche.com