Former Formula 1 team founder Zakowski dead
The founder of the former Formula 1 racing team Zakspeed, Erich Zakowski, is dead. Zakowski died last Wednesday at the age of 89, as his son Philipp confirmed to the German Press Agency on Monday.
"We bid farewell in silent remembrance to a man who gave us and the racing world so much," said the Zakspeed Group's Facebook post: "For many, Erich was not only a team boss, but also a sincere friend. Even though his life was characterized by ups and downs, he always remained connected to motorsport with great interest and passion."
From 1985 up to and including 1989, the German works team Zakspeed, which produced both the chassis and the drive itself, raced in motorsport's premier class. The racing team ultimately competed in 53 Grand Prix races. The best result was fifth place for Briton Martin Brundle at the 1987 San Marino Grand Prix in Imola, with Christian Danner finishing seventh in the second Zakspeed. However, Erich Zakowski celebrated his greatest and most frequent successes in touring car racing.
In addition to Brundle and Danner, Bernd Schneider also drove for Zakspeed in Formula 1. After retiring from the premier class, Erich Zakowski handed over responsibility to his son Peter.
Erich Zakowski's legacy in Motorsport extended beyond Formula 1 with his successes in touring car racing, where he enjoyed numerous victories with Zakspeed. The German team, led by Zakowski, competed in Formula 1 from 1985 to 1989, achieving their best result with Martin Brundle finishing fifth at the 1987 San Marino Grand Prix and Christian Danner securing seventh position in the same race.
Source: www.dpa.com
