[r377]

I was born in the late 70's, my memory of Alan Jones was in the v8's with his Peter Jackson EB Falcon and his mediocre performances in the v8s.

I ve just watched some early F1 stuff and Alan Jones was one of the best in the world. He was unlucky not to repeat as F1 world champ in 1981 but then decided to retire.

In 1983 Ferrari offered him a F1 drive but not giving them a timely reply, he was replaced. This was his biggest regret.

I would like to know more about Alan Jones and ppl opinion on him in his peak..

..

 

[Trisha]

Alan Jones is a no-nonsense Ozzie. Drove his cars with the same 'no-nonsense' approach. A breath of F1 fresh air at a time when more and more BS was creeping in. Jones v Villeneuve: wonderful.

Jones at Maranello? I don't even want to imagine it.

 

[Grumpy Gaz]

Alan Jones was a great no nonsense racing driver in the same manner of Nigel Mansell a few years later.

His reticence about signing for Ferrari was perhaps his greatest mistake. In 1983 drivers Patrick Tambay & Rene Arnoux both had successful seasons and earned the team a richly deserved Constructors Cup.

However neither could provide a season long title challenge! Jones would have almost certainly have had the combination of speed and consistency.

 

[chrisw]

He was one of my favourites !!

Cheers

chris Walker

 

[r377]

bump for an old thread.

any more opinions on him or slot cars ?

 

[longdog]

I was at the 1981 British GP and I sat in Alan Jones’ car before the race! I was in the paddock and I asked and the Williams team said “go ahead”. It was a bit of a tight fit as I am 6’2” but Alan Jones was shorter and (I thought) fairly tubby for an F1 driver but he was a really nice bloke. Unfortunately, he retired during the race, (nothing to do with me though!), but IIRC there were a lot of retirements that year.

 

[beardy56]

The driver that started me following Williams.

In the Garage after the 81 GP

8 finisher, 2 on on same lap, and 11 classified out of 24 starters. Still remember the big cheer when certain red car let go of it's turbo. A home, GB, win for John Watson.

On his way to winning the previous year at Brand Hatch.

 

[Trisha]

Wonderful memories from your pictures, Keith. Many thanks. Who, in the name of sanity, can believe that 40 years have ticked by since, eh? John What's-Wrong 'n all.

Scheesch! Forty years!

 

[beardy56]

Would be nice to say forty years of improvements but apart from safety have things improved.

 

[spykerman]

I can heartily recommend the f1 podcast series 'beyond the grid' episode with Alan Jones. One of their best episodes imho.

 

[Trisha]

Have things improved, Keith? Good question. I don't know the answer. Some things have gone for good that I don't miss. F1 today is run by too many committees, and critics of Bernie can write or say what the hell they want, but he wouldn't have tolerated last weekend's fiasco, for sure.

 

[Anglocanadian]

These two documentary's are based around Jones's time at Williams.
Gentlemen, lift your skirts
The Grid