F1'S GREATEST DRIVERS - AUTOSPORT persuaded 217 world championship Formula 1 heroes to vote for the all-time greates driver

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JEAN BEHRA

FRANCE

Jean Behra

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Behra could have been France's first title winner, but despite having the talent never won a world championship grand prix.

A fighter in the Gilles Villeneuve mould, with courage and car control to spare, he became a national hero leading the Gordini team after winning the non-championship Grand Prix de la Marne at Reims in 1952.

His days with Maserati were only slightly less frustrating. In 1955, he had little chance against the all-conquering Mercedes W196s, then played second fiddle to superstar team-mates Stirling Moss and then Juan Manuel Fangio in 1956 and 1957.

Punching Ferrari team manager Romolo Tavoni after retiring on his Ferrari debut in 1959 was a bad career move, and he was promptly sacked. A few weeks later, he was killed after being thrown from his Porsche RSK and hitting a flagpole during a sportscar race at Avus

Jean Behra

YOUR SAY

Should Jean Behra be higher or lower in F1's greatest drivers?

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STATISTICS

Born16 Feb 1921
Died1 Aug 1959
Active years1952 - 1959
Best4th (1956)
Presences53
Starts52
Best race2nd
Podiums9
Best grid2nd
Front row10
Fastest laps1
Races led7

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