Philippe Streiff is dead – AutoHebdo
French Formula 1 is once again in mourning. Just a few weeks after the disappearance of Patrick Tambay, his ex-partner Philippe Streiff died.
Born in La Tronche (Isère) on June 26, 1955, Streiff won the 1977 Volant Motul. He then excelled in the 1978 Formula Renault French Championship where he finished 5th with 6 podiums including 1 win. That same year he took part in his first 24 Hours of Le Mans, where he won two overall podiums during his career (1981 and 1984).
Promoted to Formula 3 in 1979, he became the French champion in the specialty in 1981 after finishing 2nd and then 3rd in the first two seasons. That same year, he finished 2nd at the 24 Hours of Le Mans at the wheel of the Rondeau M379C, which he shared with Jean-Louis Schlesser and Jackie Haran.
In 1982, Philippe Streiff teamed up with Pascal Fabre under the colors of Automobiles Gonfaronnaises Sportives (AGS). ” AGS did not have the same resources as the Ralt-Honda or March-BMW factory teamsPhilip recalled during a recent interview. It was David and Goliath. We had our ups and downs in 1982 because it was difficult for us with our BMW Maders against the factory engines. »
Fabre, who finished only 3rd in Vallelunga (Italy) and 15th in the championship, unlike Streiff, who finished the championship in 6th place with two podiums, will not be able to keep his place. AGS will mark the date of the last season of F2 in 1984.
Behind the wheel of a JH19C in Elf-Gitanes livery, Streiff signs the race of his life at Brands Hatch (UK): “ It was a chassis lap and it was good on the AGS, but the deciding factor was the Michelin tyres, which always excelled in the rain. ” had returned Grenoble.
Streiff, fifth on the grid, moved up to 2nd behind Roberto Moreno’s Ralti, which caused the race to be stopped when rain began to fall: “ At the second start I found myself on the front row next to Moreno, took the lead immediately and won. On Monday morning, I received a phone call from Gerard Larousse, offering me to start Formula 1 in the Portuguese GP with the third Renault. “.
AGS will have less success in the F3000 with the JH20, which has a carbon body and a V8 Cosworth engine. The 1985 season was a disappointment, with Streiff finishing no better than 3rd at Zandvoort (Netherlands) and 8th in the championship. At the same time he did some freelance work in F1 with Ligier and Tyrrell.
At the 1985 Australian Grand Prix, Streiff took his only Formula One podium on his premier class debut on the streets of Adelaide. Driving under Ligier colours, Keke Rosberg (Williams) finished 3rd ahead of teammate Jacques Laffite (Ligier).
Streiff then returned to Tyrrell for several points, playing throughout the 1986 and 1987 seasons.
Streiff’s valiant efforts with JH23 will not go unrewarded / © DPPI
In 1988, Streiff reunited with AGS, who were about to experience their best season in Formula 1 for a short while, with the refined JH23. A factory is planned to be built in the district of Luk, but in the meantime Gonfaro’s modest workshops need to be expanded to accommodate 18 workers.
Streiff had two great races in Detroit (USA) and Montreal (Canada): Qualifying 10th, he raced Piquet’s Lotus before being betrayed by a stoppage each time. He finished 10th at Imola (Italy), 9th at Estoril (Portugal) and 8th at Suzuka (Japan), which are points that do not reflect the level of the team.
On March 15, 1989, Streiff was the victim of a horrific accident during a private test session in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, in the Jacarapegua district. If he survives the shock, the Frenchman becomes a quadriplegic.
Struck by fate, Iserois did not allow himself to be defeated and soon began the indoor karting race that would become the famous Masters of Paris-Bercy. The 1993 edition, featuring active drivers and personalities and bringing together Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna for the last time, belongs to a motorsport legend.
Streiff is active in politics in addition to being involved in motor sports. The former F1 driver will take on a variety of technical advisory roles to improve road safety and improve the situation for people with disabilities.
All AUTO writingweekly Deepest condolences to Philippe Streiff’s family and loved ones.
Philippe Streiff left us this Friday, December 23rd.
The former French F1 driver was particularly committed to improving the living conditions of the disabled.
FFSA has a moving idea for family and loved ones ?? pic.twitter.com/epAm5SatXp
– FFSA (@FFSportAuto) December 24, 2022
