Ready to fly

The Ligier JS5-Matra of Jacques Laffite is readied to board the plane that will take it to its first race, the 1976 Brazilian Grand Prix held at Interlagos in São Paolo.

Designed by Gérard Ducarouge (technical director), Michel Beaujon and Robert Choulet, it was the first Formula One race car made by Ligier. JS5 competed in the 1976 Formula One season, was competitive right from the start, gaining 20 points and getting sixth place overall in the Constructor’s Championship.

The pretty blue car, now without the enormous air scoop seen at the start of the season, also gave its driver Jacques Laffite and Ligier their first ever pole position at the 1976 Italian Grand Prix at Monza (picture-below). An excellent first season indeed.