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Legendary Rally Driver Jean Ragnotti Turns 71 Today

Jean Ragnotti, a French driver that used to race for Renault, is celebrating his 71st birthday today.
Jean Ragnotti and Renault 12 photos
Photo: Renault
Jean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and RenaultJean Ragnotti and Renault
Nicknamed “Jeannot” by his fans and colleagues, Mr. Ragnotti conquered three overall victories in WRC, but his legacy stands for more than just trophies in an exhibition. Ragnotti raced Renault cars from the 1960s to the 1990s, and representing a brand for that many years sticks to a person.

Last year, Renault celebrated Ragnotti’s birthday at the "Autobrocante Festival" in Loheac, France. This year, they published a video made of photos on their YouTube and Facebook pages, but Renault might do something special for one of the most famous motorsport personalities of France.

While Ragnotti’s success did not match the accomplishments of Jean Alesi, Alain Prost, or the unmatched Sebastien Loeb, his character and driving style stand out from the pack. Furthermore, he has raced for more years than other drivers have lived, and this is another thing that none could ever take away from him.

It is worth noting that Jean Ragnotti still races in individual events, and his presence is always made in a car that was built by the French brand. Now that is brand loyalty, and you do not see that these days like you used to.

Ragnotti’s presence in racing events of the modern age are always matched with classic racing cars from his era, like the Renault 5 Maxi Turbo. If you were too young to watch rallying back in Ragnotti’s prime, you could always view videos on YouTube showcasing the way this legend used to drive.

His flamboyant style and showmanship were later seen in the late Colin McRae, while the Italian Gigi Galli always likes to put on a show like Ragnotti did in the 1990s. Good times.

By the way, today would have marked James Hunt’s 69th birthday. We admit that we had no idea that the two drivers, both legends in their time, were so close in age.


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About the author: Sebastian Toma
Sebastian Toma profile photo

Sebastian's love for cars began at a young age. Little did he know that a career would emerge from this passion (and that it would not, sadly, involve being a professional racecar driver). In over fourteen years, he got behind the wheel of several hundred vehicles and in the offices of the most important car publications in his homeland.
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