Photo : D.R. - Archives ACO

The Gulf display at the 2011 Retromobile exhibition in Paris (from 2 to 6 February) will rekindle great memories. It also provides an opportunity to remember Pedro Rodriguez, who made the blue and orange oil company livery famous in endurance racing.

Half a century ago at the 24 Hours of Le Mans 1961, two young brothers had an impressive dice with the eventual winners Olivier Gendebien and Phil Hill, before retiring their NART Ferrari TR/61 after 205 laps. Pedro Rodriguez was 21, and Ricardo his younger brother only 19. Ricardo had a fatal accident in 1962 during practice for the (non championship) Grand Prix of Mexico. After a period of mourning and doubt, Pedro finally decided to continue his career.

At Le Mans, he remained loyal to Ferrari until 1967, with his best result a seventh place in 1965 along with Nino Vaccarella. In 1968 he joined the team of John Wyer, and had his first drive under Gulf colours, winning the 24 Hours of Le Mans in a Ford GT40 with Belgian Lucien Bianchi. In 1970 he drove again for Wyer but in a Porsche 917. It was one of the most memorable victories of Pedro Rodriguez, who the following year set the fastest pole position in the history of the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 3'13''9 at 250 km/h average. This would be the last appearance of the Mexican in La Sarthe. He was killed at Norisring (Nuremberg), Germany, on 11 July 1971, at the wheel of a Ferrari 512M.

Born on 18 January, 1940 in Mexico City, Pedro Rodriguez was only 31 at the time of his fatal accident. From 1961 to 1971, he raced on some of the finest circuits in the world (Le Mans, Montlhéry, Daytona, Spa, Monza, Brands Hatch), becoming one of the greatest drivers in the history of endurance racing. No world title existed at that time. But if true, none other than Pedro Rodriguez would have deserved to win in 1970, he was irresistible driving the 917.

Jean-Philippe Doret

Photo: 24 HOURS OF LE MANS, 12 & 13 June 1971. Pedro Rodriguez shared the wheel of the #18 Porsche 917 with Britain's Jackie Oliver. They were forced to retire on Sunday at 5:00 am.