The accident that claimed the life of Lucien Bianchi occurred during preliminary tests (Essais Préliminaires) in sight of the 1969 Le Mans 24 Hours, on Sunday, 30 March of that year.
A versatile and varied racer, Lucien Bianchi competed in Formula 1 - third place in the 1968 Monaco Grand Prix; Indy-car - 34th position in qualifying at Indianapolis in 1967; rallies - four times winner of the Tour de France Automobile; touring-car races - winner of the Großer Preis der Tourenwagen-Six Hours of the Nürburgring in 1967. Probably he took his best results in sportscar racing, winning the 12 Hours of Sebring in 1962 with Jo Bonnier and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1968 with Pedro Rodríguez.
He enjoyed success in all disciplines. In his book "Mes Rallyes", Lucien Bianchi commented that he had no preferences for sportscar, single-seaters or rally cars. He learned everything in racing only watching other drivers at the wheel, amongst them the likes of Olivier Gendebien, Mario Andretti and Phil Hill who were his models as well as being his rivals. He called his driving style as "adaptive".
During the first testing session, Bianchi had trouble with the rear bodywork of his Alfa Romeo 33/3, which bonnet did not close well. It was reported by different sources that the car was not repaired properly, causing him more problems during the second session. According to eyewitnesses, while passing on the Hunaudières straight shortly before his accident, Lucien Bianchi signaled with the right indicator his intention to stop his car on the roadside. But he did not reduce his speed and suddenly went off the road. The car apparently wandered onto the right-side verge, then it spun back across the left side. Lucien Bianchi was killed instantly in the fiery crash. It happened just as he was being realized as a real talent and getting the opportunities he deserved. He was 34 years old.
R.I.P
