On the 15th of June 1980, Jean Rondeau became a legend, not just a Le Mans local winning at his home circuit, but also the first driver to take victory with a car bearing his own name. It was simple and effective, powered by a motor which was ubiquitous in Formula 1 for more than a decade, the silhouette of the M379 B will forever be associated with its creator. But to win, he had to survive a deluge and beat a Porsche 908/80 driven by Jacky Ickx. To give even more value to this victory was the pole position of Pescarolo-Ragnotti (which unfortunately retired during the race) and the third place of the brothers Martin and Gordon Spice. The 1980 24 Hours will belong for eternity to Le Mans' native son Jean Rondeau, enthusiast, determined and passionate engineer, whom we lost too soon in 1985.

Year : 48th edition of the 24 Hours of Le Mans (14 & 15 June 1980)
Number of cars entered : Three
Technical Information :
3 litre Ford-Cosworth V8 atmospheric.
Drivers :
Henri Pescarolo-Jean Ragnotti (n°15)
Jean Rondeau-Jean Pierre Jaussaud (n°16)
Jean-Michel & Philippe Martin-Gordon Spice (n°17)
Results:
1st (Jean Rondeau-Jean Pierre Jaussaud)
3rd (Jean-Michel & Philippe Martin-Gordon Spice)
Retired (Henri Pescarolo-Jean Ragnotti)
Notable facts : Second victory at Le Mans for Jean-Pierre Jaussaud, former winner in 1978 with Didier Pironi (Renault Alpine A442B)