F1: French F1 star-maker Francois Guiter dies

Francois Guiter, who supported the careers of several French Formula 1 drivers, died on Saturday night.

Guiter, who was also involved in AUTOSPORT's French edition, started in motorsport with fuel company Elf when it increased its involvement in racing in the 1960s.

From then on Guiter gave his backing, through Elf, to generations of French drivers, as well as being a key player in the firm's support of the Tyrrell team during its most successful years.

AUTOSPORT France publisher Pascal Dro said: "All the French racing drivers who won in Formula 1 since the late 1960s owe their career to this giant.

"Jackie Stewart was also a big part of this history with the Tyrrell team that Francois helped reach the top in Formula 1.

"Francois was the main supporter of the French edition of AUTOSPORT and every month he was bringing his comments to the table on what we were doing.

"The French edition of AUTOSPORT and all his Francois' friends in the company express their saddest feelings to his family, son and to the whole racing community."

(ABOVE) Patrick Depailler in the Tyrrell P34-Cosworth at the Austrian Grand Prix in 1976. Elf put a lot of money into the Tyrrell team through the ’60s and ’70s. (BELOW) Jackie Stewart in the Tyrrell-run Matra MS10 at the 1968 Oulton Park Gold Cup – Elf signage already much in evidence.

Originally on Autosport.com