It is a legend of German motor sport that went on this Sunday, May 4, 2025. Winner of the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix as well as the 24 hours of Le Mans 1989, Jochen Mass died at the age of 78.
last FebruaryJochen Mass had been the victim of a “stroke”, as his family indicates on social networks in a message published this Sunday. At 78, the effects of this stroke were fatal to the one who lived his last days surrounded by his relatives. “Each positivity message has been transferred to him, bringing peace during his last days”tells the brief press release from his family. “Beyond his disappearance, we also celebrate his incredible life. An existence he loved to share with you all. A life he has fully enjoyed. He found his friends to run again up there. »»
Jochen Mass distinguished himself in the 1960s and early 1970s in passenger car races. His Ford Capri Turbo Group 5 modified by Zakspeed made a strong feeling in DRM, the ancestor of the DTM in Germany, but it is in single -seaters, as well as in endurance, that the Bavarian has highlighted.
Vice-European Formula 2 Champion in 1973, Jochen Mass logically accesses Formula 1 the following year with the Sortees team. The halftone performances of the stable of the former John Surtes champion pushed him to join McLaren in the course of 1974. If he does not reach the same level of performance as his teammate Emerson Fittipaldi, Jochen Mass manages to climb on the highest step of the podium during the 1975 Spanish Grand Prix. of four spectators on the dangerous urban circuit of Montjuic.
-Replaced by Patrick Tambay in 1978, Jochen Mass was relegated to the back of the grid at Ats, and vivoted as best they can behind the steering wheel of the Arrows golden machines. He left F1 after a disappointing 1982 at Ram-March.
His endurance record is more eloquent: 30 victories, and two titles of vice-world champion. Its longevity allowed him to know the Alfa Romeo T33/TT/12 in 1975, the Porsche 936, but also and above all the legendary C groups such as the Porsche 956, 962 and the series of Silver Silver Mercedes. It was on one of them, the C9, that he won the 24 hours of Le Mans 1989 with Manuel Reuter and Stanley Dickens, allowing the German brand to be triumphant in Sarthe for the first time since 1952.
Jochen Mass continued to be strongly attached to Mercedes after his sports retirement. He provided most of the demonstrations of historic models during gatherings such as the Goodwood Festival of Speed.
To his family, relatives and friends, the editorial staff of Autohebdo addresses his most sincere condolences.
