In the annals of motorsport history, Jacky Ickx – who celebrates his 79th birthday on this first day of the year – stands as a towering figure, a true all-rounder who excelled in various disciplines, leaving an indelible mark on the sport.
During his illustrious career, the great Belgian won 8 Grands Prix with Brabham and Ferrari and 6 editions of the Le Mans 24 Hours, while he also claimed a world title in the World Sports Car Championship with Porsche, another title in the Can-Am series and an overall win in the Paris-Dakar rally raid.
A superb stylist and a man who mastered the elements - as well as the Nürburgring's 'Green Hell' - Ickx achieved his very last F1 win at the Race of Champions at Brands Hatch with Lotus in 1974.
Anyone out there old enough to remember Jacky's fabulous and daring overtaking maneuver on Niki Lauda at that race, on the outside of Paddock Bend?
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