Ecurie Bonnier was founded by Joakim Bonnier in 1969 for the purpose of entering the Formula 1 Championships with Lotus and McLaren. �Jo� had enjoyed a long driving career since 1956 and had lots of experience with all the top teams as well as having run his own teams since 1966. It was in 1970 that Jo Bonnier drove a McLaren M7C under his own team in the US Grand Prix held at Watkins Glen. It was his first race behind the wheel of the McLaren M7C but he unfortunately had to retire from the race half way through due to a broken water pipe.