Deepest condolences from Automobile Club de l’Ouest

It is with great sadness that the Automobile Club de l'Ouest was informed this morning of the passing of Jules Bianchi, occurred on Friday July 17, as a result of the accident he suffered from last October 5 at the F1 Grand Prix of Japan.

Jules Bianchi was one of the surest hopes of French motorsport. Titled Formula Renault in his first season, he pursued a methodical climb in motorsport with the support of Ferrari, before being tenured in Formula 1 with Marussia in 2013.

Jules Bianchi came from a long line of drivers. His great-uncle Lucien (1934-1969), endurance specialist and major road marathons in the sixties (victories in Liège-Sofia-Liège and the Tour de France Automobile), won the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 driving a Ford GT40, associated with the Mexican Pedro Rodriguez. His grandfather Mauro (born in 1937) was for the same period a brilliant animator of Formula 3 pack, and also Alpine official driver in La Sarthe.

To his family and loved ones, the Automobile Club de l'Ouest sends its deepest condolences.

Pierre Fillon, President of the Automobile Club de l'Ouest: "It is with great sadness and deep emotion that we learned this morning the sad news of the death of Jules Bianchi. On behalf of the ACO and all employees, I present my condolences to the family and friends of Jules. He is part of the great family of motorsports and by his talent and his courage, he has earned the recognition of his peers and all fans of the discipline. "

A.C.O.