The Matra F1 team will forever be etched in motorsport history for their giant-killing 1969 season. An unfancied French outfit with little experience, Matra came from nowhere to claim both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ championships.
Their success was all the more remarkable considering Matra built their own V12 engines yet triumphed using the British-built Ford-Cosworth DFV V8. Matra’s journey encompassed sportscar glory too, most notably at the iconic 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Matra F1 Team’s Origin and Early Racing Ventures
Matra began in 1942 when French aviation engineer Marcel Chassagny renamed his company from CAPRA to MATRA – derived from “Mécanique Aviation Traction.” Post-war, Matra won many military aviation contracts but in October 1964, young executive Jean-Luc Lagardère established Matra Sports to showcase Matra through motorsport.
Formula 3 was targeted first. Using a Rene Bonnet sportscar chassis, Paul Carillo created the MS5 which Jean-Pierre Beltoise debuted at Monaco 1965. He and team-mate Jean-Pierre Jaussaud scored a 1-2 finish at Reims, starting Matra’s ascent.
For 1966 Matra built its first Formula 2 car – the BRM V8-powered MS5. F3 development continued too, with emerging star Johnny Servoz-Gavin joining the team. He duly delivered Matra’s first French F3 crown. An ambitious sportscar programme commenced also but with little success besides veteran Henri Pescarolo’s podiums.
Matra Secures Elf Backing and Eyes F1 Entry
A landmark 1967 deal saw French oil company Elf sponsor Matra’s new F1 V12 engine development. Matra focussed on Formula 2 that season using Cosworth power, while customer team Tyrrell blooded Jackie Stewart. Stewart claimed three wins but Jacky Ickx pipped Servoz-Gavin to the F2 title.
Matra also contested the European Formula 3 Championship, scoring five wins. In sportscars, Roby Weber was tragically killed while testing Matra’s new MS630 at Le Mans. The marque enjoyed better Touring Car success with veteran Pescarolo.
Sensational Debut F1 Season But Stewart Snubbed
For 1968 Matra F1 team became a reality, running its own V12-powered MS11 chassis. Pescarolo joined regular driver Beltoise, while Stewart spearheaded the customer Tyrrell squad.
Though unreliable, the heavy V12 showed promise. Stewart meanwhile amassed three wins in the Cosworth-powered MS10 and was set for the title. Politics impeded Matra however, who demanded Tyrrell use their engine in 1969.
Against All Odds, Matra Claims Glory in 1969
Jackie Stewart stunned all by guiding the new Ford Cosworth DFV V8-powered MS80 to six wins from 11 races in the renamed Matra International squad.
Stewart took the coveted crown along with claiming Matra an incredible Constructors’ Championship, highlightged by a dominant 1-2 finish at the French GP. Matra thus became the first French marque to win the constructors’ title, in just its second season – a feat never repeated.
Le Mans Glory But F1 Decline After Peugeot Buyout
Politics impeded Matra again in 1970 as its roadcar division was sold to Simca. Stewart won his second drivers’ title with Tyrrell while Matra missed him greatly. The MS120 struggled terribly with its overweight V12 engine, save for a few Beltoise podiums.
Thehighlight was Pescarolo/Beltoise’s emotional sportscar victory at Buenos Aires in January. Later that year Matra achieved more success with its V12-powered 630/650 models, while developing its next Le Mans challenger – the 660.
Matra persisted in F1 with Chris Amon replacing Henri Pescarolo in 1971 but results remained poor. Sportscar racing is where Matra found joy, as the 660 began winning regularly in the hands of Pescarolo, François Cevert and Gerard Larrousse.
In December 1971 came news that Matra’s automotive division was being bought out by Peugeot. For 1972 Matra raced on with the rebranded Equipe Matra-Simca outfit but without improvement. Its sportscar programme celebrated a famous 1-2 victory at Le Mans though, courtesy of Graham Hill/Pescarolo.
Sportscars Take Over – More Le Mans Glory Until Withdrawal
With Matra’s F1 team shut down for 1973, sportscars became the focal point. The phenomenal MS670 was introduced, which Pescarolo and Larrousse steered to the championship title.
Their crucial Le Mans win was a highlight, along with other victories at Vallelunga and Watkins Glen. Matra romped to the 1974 championship too as the potent 670 and star drivers Pescarolo/Larrousse dominated again, including another emotional Le Mans triumph.
This marked Matra’s farewell, as it withdrew from motorsport altogether. Its V12 engine programme was sold to the emergent Ligier F1 team, powering them to many later grand prix victories.
Why Matra Won and Lost in Equal Measure
Matra’s astonishing 1969 success highlighted the talents of aerospace genius Chassagny and protégé Lagardère in leading its rapid racing ascent. However politics and poor engine choices impeded later title challenges.
Matra lacked the budget or experience to sustain works F1 success. However, its loyal drivers Beltoise, Servoz-Gavin, Pescarolo, Stewart and Amon maximised often uncompetitive cars. Its sportscar glory days showed Matra could compete amongst elite company when rules suited.
Shortlived yet sensational, Matra’s racing history was a mix of grit, innovation and determination against the established automotive giants. The plucky French marque dared to dream – and realised those dreams fleetingly by toppling F1’s old guard back in the wild west era of the sport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who were Matra’s F1 team most successful drivers?
Jackie Stewart delivered Matra its only title in 1969 with six wins. Jean-Pierre Beltoise scored the most points over four seasons, finishing on the podium eight times. Johnny Servoz-Gavin claimed Matra’s only F1 pole while Chris Amon achieved its last podium in 1972.
What was Matra’s greatest motorsport achievement besides F1?
Winning the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans three times – in 1972, 1973 and 1974. Matra also won back-to-back World Sportscar Championship titles in 1973 and 1974.
Why did Matra F1 team withdraw from racing?
Matra’s rapid expansion into F1 overstretched its limited budget. After Peugeot bought out its automotive arm, racing was cut back until becoming unsustainable. Matra redeployed resources into its core aerospace business where profit margins were higher.
Could Matra have won more F1 titles?
Had Matra partnered with Jackie Stewart from 1970-72 as he requested, more titles may have been likely. Instead Matra insisted on using its own V12 – which severely compromised results during their partnership from 1968-69, and afterwards.
How successful were Matra engines in Formula 1?
Matra’s V12 showed promise in 1968 but its development lagged behind rivals. After Matra’s F1 exit the engine powered the Ligier team, where Jacques Laffite delivered its last three Grand Prix wins between 1977-1981.
Who succeeded Matra as France’s next racing powerhouse?
That honour belongs to Renault, who took over the Ligier team in the 1980s. Powered by its turbo V6s, Renault claimed multiple titles as an engine supplier and works team. Its successes include winning as a constructor again in 2005/06 with Fernando Alonso.