A sympathetic, cultured and softly-spoken Swede, who was an early crusader towards racing safety. Ironically, after surviving a long F1 career, he was killed in Le Mans in 1972. Bonnier was a long-time President of the Grand Prix Drivers Association who used his influence in positive ways. Bonnier actually started in the sport as a rally driver whilst as a teenager but this particular career was put on hold due to service in the Swedish Navy and by the the time he was racing again, Joakim now had different ambitions.

Biography last updated 23 Sep 2015