Gentleman racer who came from a oil well drilling family, and he remained involved in the business all his life. The money from the family firm led to him racing as well as the opportunities the business gave him to meet people in the sport (Raymond Sommer in particular), but he was no slouch, with a Le Mans class win in 1960 to his credit. Competed in a range of events, but sportscars was always his first love, and he won his national sports prototype title three times. Kept links with the sport until his death, after a short illness. Gerard stopped racing in 1964 after friend Jean-Pierre Beltoise had a serious accident, which had a great effect on both Gerard and his wife to call it a day, even though Laureau really only ever had one big crash; this was at the Mille Miglia in 1957. Laureau later managed the Jean-Pierre Beltoise circuit in Trappes.

Biography last updated 18 Jan 2017