People

Robert Choulet

One of the disciples of aerodynamics pioneer Charles Deutsch, Choulet worked for Deutsch's Societe d'Etudes et de Realisations Automobiles (SERA). Initially working with the old Eiffel windtunnel in Paris Choulet's first major project was the Matra M640 sportscar aimed at getting the highest possible top speed for the Le Mans 24 Hours. Unfortunately the prototype was destroyed by Henri Pescarolo at the Le Mans test day that year and the team went back to using older cars. Choulet's next commission was the Porsche 917 Langheck in 1970 and the CanAm cars which followed. After that SERA turned its attention to the early Ligiers with the striking JS5 with its huge airbox. Choulet also worked on the JS7, JS9 and JS11 cars, the last-named which dominated the start of the 1979 season. Choulet also worked on the JS11/15 which was highly competitive in 1980 with Jacques Laffite and Didier Pironi driving. It is a little known fact that SERA was also involved in aerodynamic work on the Ferrari 126 C2, the car which was so competitive in 1982. SERA also worked with the successful Alfa Romeo sports car team in 1977 and later on the Alfa Romeo 179 Formula 1 car at the end of the 1979 season. The company diversified into other other areas in the 1980s doing road car development for many different car manufacturers including Audi, Alfa Romeo and BMW.