Remembering a legend

Siffert in action shortly before his fatal crash at Brands Hatch Keystone Archive

Motor racing fans are celebrating the life of Swiss Formula One legend Jo Siffert this weekend, 30 years after his untimely death in a race at Britain's Brands Hatch circuit.

On Friday a three-day exhibition was opened in Siffert’s home town of Fribourg to commemorate a man whose passing was mourned by a nation. Among the items on display are cars driven by Siffert as well as photographs and personal items.

Three decades ago the town was inundated with tens of thousands of supporters who came to pay their last respects at the funeral of the hugely-popular driver.

Born on July 7, 1936, Siffert was to work as an auto body repairer, before turning to motorcycle racing.

Two years later, “Seppi” was crowned Swiss motorcycling champion. In 1959, he began a career in car racing, after having tested his talent in side-car racing.

In the space of nine years, Siffert took part in more than 90 Grand Prix competitions. He won his first Formula One competition in Brands Hatch, on the very course where he would later meet his tragic end.

swissinfo with agencies

Siffert’s motto

The Fribourg driver thrived on risk: “Where there is risk, there is death,” he once said. “Without risk, there is no life.”

Jacques Deschenaux, former head of sports at the French-speaking television station, TSR, and Siffert’s biographer, remembers following the champion’s evolution.

“We were friends at the time,” he said. “I became a witness of Siffert’s development. He shot to fame and became Switzerland’s ambassador abroad.”

Siffert was 35 years old when he was killed.

swissinfo with agencies