Former Renault Team boss Sage passes away
Posted by micky-cannonball
Renault is in mourning following the announcement of former F1 team boss Jean Sage's death. Sage was a pioneer of Renault's maiden days in Formula One, bringing turbo-powered engines into the sport.
When Gerard Larousse was given the responsibility of the French manufacturer's motorsport programme in the 1970s, he called on his friend Jean Sage, a former rally and single-seater driver, to lead the Formula One foray.
The endeavour began in 1977 and Renault's early turbo troubles saw their car nicknamed the 'Yellow Tea Pot' for its tendency of ending races in a white cloud. With Jean-Pierre Jabouille at the wheel of the team's only car, points were taken the following year.
Sage added Rene Arnoux to the line-up in 1979; Jabouille won Renault's first race at the French Grand Prix while Arnoux fought an epic battle for second place with Gilles Villeneuve, finishing right behind the Canadian. Alain Prost joined Arnoux in 1981; overall the three Frenchmen took 15 victories for Renault.
Under Sage's guidance the team fought for the title in 1982 and 1983, but no crowns were won during this first iteration of the Renault F1 operation. At the end of the 1985 season Renault pulled out of racing its own cars and became an engine supplier, still under Sage's reign.
Two years later Renault took leave of the sport, and Sage left the French company in order to manage IMSA GT Ferrari F40s. Sage enjoyed collecting Ferraris and participated in classic car racing as well.
Sage died October 8th; he was 68.
Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International
Long Live Jean Sage!
When Gerard Larousse was given the responsibility of the French manufacturer's motorsport programme in the 1970s, he called on his friend Jean Sage, a former rally and single-seater driver, to lead the Formula One foray.
The endeavour began in 1977 and Renault's early turbo troubles saw their car nicknamed the 'Yellow Tea Pot' for its tendency of ending races in a white cloud. With Jean-Pierre Jabouille at the wheel of the team's only car, points were taken the following year.
Sage added Rene Arnoux to the line-up in 1979; Jabouille won Renault's first race at the French Grand Prix while Arnoux fought an epic battle for second place with Gilles Villeneuve, finishing right behind the Canadian. Alain Prost joined Arnoux in 1981; overall the three Frenchmen took 15 victories for Renault.
Under Sage's guidance the team fought for the title in 1982 and 1983, but no crowns were won during this first iteration of the Renault F1 operation. At the end of the 1985 season Renault pulled out of racing its own cars and became an engine supplier, still under Sage's reign.
Two years later Renault took leave of the sport, and Sage left the French company in order to manage IMSA GT Ferrari F40s. Sage enjoyed collecting Ferraris and participated in classic car racing as well.
Sage died October 8th; he was 68.
Daniel BASTIEN
© CAPSIS International
Long Live Jean Sage!
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