Over the decades, dozens and dozens of French drivers have left their mark on our little world of Grands Prix. Why not try to draw up a ranking of the ten greatest in history by trying to argue the place of each and homage to everyone?
Before revealing the ten selected, it is important to recall the criteria. This is a top 10 of the biggest, not the best. The difference is notable and means a lot: it's not about being the fastest, most successful, most successful driver, but rather to have left a trace, a legacy, a mark in history.
This is essential for a good understanding of this classification. Needless to say, this top 10 remains, despite the arguments, subjective and the result of the reflection of a single person.
That said, pure speed matters. Just like the period, the competition at the time or even the category. The criteria are multiple and are used to resolve this difficult equation.
Are you ready ? Let's go !
Honorable mentions:
Before getting to the heart of the matter, let's review the great French drivers who were unable to enter the top, but who deserve a mention. Some could chat extensively with the lucky ones selected. Patrick Pons is the perfect example: A legendary driver who unfortunately did not have the chance to express his talent long enough at the highest level.
Patrick Pons, another destiny shattered far too soon. Photo: Yamaha Community
World champions Jean-Louis Tournadre, Mike Di Meglio and Arnaud Vincent cannot claim the top 10 either but remain very strong drivers in their eras, who left their mark on history in their own way.
Penultimate French winner in Grands Prix, Régis Laconi is also not in the ten. Despite the feat in Valencia 1999, a somewhat short career in the premier category – five years – held him back. Furthermore, the Superbike is not taken into account in this exercise. A quick word for Loris Baz, Louis Rossi and Jules Cluzel and we are good.
No. 10: Michel Rougerie (1950-1981)
Rougerie was very appreciated by fans for his human side. His loss was terrible for French motorcycle sport. Photo: Panini.
Obviously, Michel Rougerie is one of the ten greatest French drivers of all time for several reasons.
Arrived in the deep end at the age of 21, his career was marked by checkered results. The one who won the 1969 Bol d'Or fit in perfectly with the "French connection" of the 1970s, a golden era for the French.
His career is closely linked to the Harley-Davidson epic: He won two of his three victories on the “American” 250cc machines in 1975. This year, moreover, he scored more points than his opponent Walter Villa but left him the crown because of the old regulations which took into account only the six best results. In 11 years of appearances in world championships including three victories (two in 250cc, one in 350cc), Rougerie left a major mark and was very appreciated during his lifetime. Unfortunately, a terrible accident at Rijeka in 1981 ended his life.
Michel was a great driver, but the lack of participation and results – in fact – in the premier category prevented him from going higher.
That's all for today ! Continue to the next episode, where places No. 9,8 and 7 will be revealed to you.
Cover photo: Yamaha Community.
