Former Le Mans winner Dumfries dead at 62

Former Le Mans champion Johnny Dumfries has died aged 62 after a short illness, his family announced Monday.

The Scot was born John Crichton-Stuart, the seventh Marquess of Bute, but competed under a pseudonym to hide his aristocratic background.

Dumfries won the British F3 title in 1984 and tested for Ferrari in 1985.

He joined the Lotus Formula One team the following year as a team-mate of the outstanding Ayrton Senna but was dropped after one season after finishing just five races with a best finish of fifth place.

But a move into endurance racing saw him win the prestigious Le Mans 24 Hours event with Britain’s Jaguar team in 1988.

“The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family,” said a family statement.

“His heart was firmly rooted on the Island of Bute where he spent much of his time.

“He was a moderniser and an inspirational thinker, transitioning a family home to a progressive, working visitor facility and estate.” (AFP)