javier romagosa
TEXT: JAVIER ROMAGOSA / PHOTOS: UNAI ONA
This year the circuit of the most famous principality in the world hosted 236 classics, Most of them were single-seaters in the Formula 1, Formula 2 and Formula Junior categories, the latter prelude to the premier class between 1958 and 1963.
Organized by nothing more and nothing less than by him Automobile Club of Monaco, according to him they attended the event about 30.000 people. The program included rehearsals and qualifying rounds on Friday and Saturday and races on Sunday.
Monaco Historical Grand Prix: 8 races
The categories were varied but, as we have said, mainly focused on Formula cars. Specifically, they were divided into the following careers:
- Race A: Illustrious Prewar Parade. Before he ran but not anymore, it's a shame.
- Race B: F1 and F2 cars before 1961.
- Race C: Sport cars from 1952 to 1955
- Race D: Formula Junior with front engine (1958-1960)
- Race E: 1cc F1.500 cars (1961-65)
- Race F: F1 cars (1966-1972)
- Race G: F1 cars (1973-1976)
A difficult circuit, then and now
As you can see, the Monaco Historical Grand Prix it is a good place to enjoy old Formula 1. The setting is incomparable, but also the number of accidents, and in the Monegasque circuit there is nowhere to escape, not even in the hands of the organization (see attached video, in which an F1 falls from at least 4 meters high ).
Before continuing, as an anecdote we will say that the 1 Formula 1966 Grand Prix was won by three-time world champion Jackie Stewart (BRM). 16 monoplaces started and they finished… 4! The race was immortalized by Roman Polanski in the film 'Weekend of a Champion' (1972)
We will also say that the one who writes these lines he is no expert in motor sport and only intends to publish a general chronicle with some good photos about one of the most important events for classics in Europe.
god save the queen
Returning to racing, the Formula 1 and Formula 2 car races prior to 1961 - with its corresponding engine in the forward position - was won for a TEC-MEC F415 from 1959, the latest evolution of the legendary Maserati 250F.
Precisely at the controls of one of these mythical racing cars ran the Spaniard Guillermo Fierro, who did not hesitate to chat with us and say hello to the camera. Also present were the Spanish Joaquín Folch -who finished in a worthy 5th position in one of the races, just behind Fierro- and Juan Quintano, among others.
The sports car race -something more recognizable, photos at the end- was won by Chris Ward at the controls of a Jaguar C, while in Formula Junior Jonathan Hughes prevailed with his Lola MK2. The latter was full of English and Italian machines that were difficult to see and identify.
In the F1 category from 1961 to 1965 (1,500 cc) the first to cross the finish line was Andy Middlehurst in his Lotus 25. As you will see, a lot of english flavor.
Finally, the F1 race from 1966 to 1972 was won by Stewart Hall at the wheel of a McLaren M19A, while in F1 1973-1976 Alessandro Caffi prevailed in an Ensign N176.
An event less accessible than its competitors
To the sound of the competitions the usual life of Monaco passed, with its luxury in abundance and the parade of multiple personalities, including King Albert II or Prince Joaquin of Denmark who raced in Formula Junior at the controls of a Volpini.
The truth is that the Monaco Historical Grand Prix It is not the international event in which we have felt the most comfortable, and we do not say it by any means for our compatriots who always welcome us as if we were one of the family.
And it is not as friendly as the Grand Prix of Pau, that of Angouleme, can be, Le Mans Classic o goodwood revival, among others. The reader should take this into account when deciding the travel agenda for 2018, when it will be held its next edition.
