Jo Siffert

Joseph Siffert

["Formula One Driver", "Endurance Champion", "Porsche Factory Driver"]

Born Jul 07, 1936

Fribourg, Switzerland

Passed Away Oct 24, 1971 Brands Hatch, United Kingdom

Lifespan 35 years old

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Notice / Correction

"I was born with nothing except my hands and my will; when I race, I am completely alive."

Archival Overview

Charismatic Swiss racing hero 'Seppi' who won two Formula One Grands Prix for Rob Walker Racing and BRM and led Porsche's iconic 917 sports car program to consecutive World Sportscar Championships.

Biographical Record

Joseph 'Jo' Siffert (1936–1971) grew up in poverty in Fribourg, collecting scrap metal and trading used cars to finance his motorcycle and Formula Junior racing. In 1968, driving Rob Walker's privateer Lotus 49 at Brands Hatch, he defeated Chris Amon's Ferrari in one of F1's greatest privateer victories.

Siffert became the heart of Porsche's sports car juggernaut, winning the 24 Hours of Daytona, 12 Hours of Sebring, and Targa Florio in the monstrous Porsche 917. In October 1971, fresh from winning the Austrian GP, Siffert died at Brands Hatch; 50,000 mourners filled Fribourg for his state-like funeral.

Key Life Milestones

1968

British Grand Prix Victory at Brands Hatch

Scored Rob Walker Racing's legendary privateer victory against factory giants.

1970

World Sportscar Championship Dominance

Piloted the Gulf-Porsche 917K alongside Brian Redman, winning Daytona, Sebring, and Spa.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Cimetiere Saint-Leonard
Fribourg, Switzerland

                         GPS: 46.8167, 7.1583                    

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