Jules Bianchi would have turned 30 today and not a day goes by without Graeme Lowdon thinking of him
NOT a day goes by for Graeme Lowdon without stirring memories of Jules Bianchi, who would have turned 30 today.
Lowdon, the former boss at F1 team Manor, still wears a wristband bearing the driver’s initials, racing number and P8, the position the Frenchman finished in at the 2014 Monaco Grand Prix.
Incredibly, it will be five years in October since Bianchi suffered a fatal accident at Suzuka in Japan, when his Manor crashed heavily into a crane in poor conditions.
Formula One has moved on since the tragedy but for those close to Bianchi he will never be forgotten.
Lowdon said: “It would be Jules’ birthday at the weekend and days like that, you remember.
“But the reality is that for anyone who spent time with him, not a day goes by where you don’t have a thought for Jules.
“He created such a big impression on anyone who came into contact with him.
“He was an exceptional driver but also an exceptional person.
STAR IN THE MAKING
“He had all those abilities and sadly we never got to see where it would lead.
“One thing is for sure, F1 would be a better and brighter place if he was still in it and I’m convinced he would be one of the sport’s stars.
“He knew how to drive a car fast but he also had the other attributes that go with it.”
It is poetic that Bianchi’s close friend Charles Leclerc has kicked on at Ferrari.
He was promoted to the Italian team after an excellent debut year last season with Sauber.
Bianchi and Leclerc’s fathers were best friends and their sons grew up racing together. Lowdon recalled Leclerc coming to watch Bianchi race for Manor.
And he admitted he suffers strange feelings when he watches the Monegasque driver, as he reminds him of his former racer.
He said: “It is great to see Charles in the Ferrari.
“I remember him coming to races as a guest of Jules, who always told us he was the one to look out for.
“When I see Charles in the Ferrari I see what it could have been like because, for sure, Jules would be driving for Ferrari.
“At Monaco this year, the move that Charles made around Rascasse was just so similar to the move Jules made on Kamui Kobayashi in 2014.
most read in motorsport
“I was watching on TV and had a strange moment — I was confused as to who was driving.”
Bianchi’s family have set up a charity to help people who suffer similar head injuries to their son.
And Lowdon said it is vital Bianchi’s legacy lives on.
He said: “A talent like Jules should never be forgotten and that’s why the work the family are doing is so important.
“Jules’ family have given everything in being part of the racing community. They have made the ultimate sacrifice.”