First raced in the 1993 South African Grand Prix where, driven by Briton Mark Blundell, it finished third, the JS39's best finish was a second place achieved by Frenchman Olivier Panis at the 1994 German Grand Prix.

The car was relatively successful for the team, achieving 3 podium finishes, and 23 constructor points.

For much of the season, the team stood in fourth place in the constructors' championship, only being overtaken by Ferrari with two races remaining.

The car did not perform as well as in 1993 but was reliable, enabling Panis and Bernard to finish 2nd and 3rd respectively in the German Grand Prix.

At the 1993 Japanese and Australian Grands Prix, Brundle's car was painted with a special artwork livery done by Hugo Pratt.