Jo Vonlanthen

Joseph Vonlanthen (31 May 1942 - Present): Swiss racing driver from St. Ursen who began racing in Formula Vee in 1968 and, driving a Tecno, won the 1972 Swiss F3 championship. In his first season of the European Formula Two championship in 1973 as a privateer, he scored a 3rd place podium at the season finale. This enthusiastic privateer raced for some while in Formula 2 but didn't have much success other than a non-championship win at Ulm-Laupheim in 1972.

He participated in one Formula One World Championship Grand Prix on 17 August 1975, driving a Williams. He managed to secure a seat with Frank Williams for the non-championship Swiss Grand Prix in 1975 where he finished 14th. Vonlanthen can be considered lucky to have started this race as he was only allowed to start when Wilson Fittipaldi suffered an injury in practice which prevented him from taking his place on the grid. Vonlanthen lined up last on the grid, completing 14 laps before retiring due to engine failure and scoring no championship points.

He subsequently returned to Formula 2 before disappearing from the sport's higher levels. He was a garage owner when he entered Formula 1 and still is today, based near Locarno. He also organises Formula 1 racing exhibitions and has a large private F1 car collection.