After the twists and turns of Monaco it was good to back at one of the most universally revered race circuits in Europe – made more enjoyable by the sun’s presence throughout the weekend. The Spa Ferrari Maserati Days has undergone changes which reflect the Group’s marketing of Maserati as a volume producer of luxury road cars and the inclusion of the Vodafone sponsored Trofeo Maserati for 3200GT’s was a welcome addition. The weekend’s racing was interspersed with 2 rounds of our own PMFC, the factory supported Ferrari Challenge for Modena 360’s and a 12 car F1 display organised by Corse Clienti, with the welcome inclusion of a 333SP.

The success of Ferrari in the Benelux region is indelibly linked to Jacques Swaters – founder and until relatively recently proprietor of Garages Francorchamps; his contribution to the Ferrari legend ranks alongside Luigi Chinetti (North America), Charles Pozzi (France) and Ronnie Hoare (UK). It was the weekend's highlight to see him at the wheel of his 166 Barchetta and at the prizegivings

With the historic season in full swing and a traditionally well supported FIA meeting at Monza the same weekend, it was no surprise that grids for the Shell Maserati Historic Challenge were thin. With just 6 starters in Group A (single seaters) and reduced numbers in B (for drum brake sports/GT cars) and C (disc brake/GT cars) the co-ordinating team needs to address the “Challenge” concept and its appeal to spectators as a priority. The three categories practised on Friday with race 1 on Saturday and 2 on Sunday , pole positions in A and B going to Burkhard von Schenk in Maserati 250F and 300S respectively; Peter Hardman (in Harry Leventis’s Ferrari 412P) was pole sitter in category C after John Bosch (512BB/LM) had experienced technical maladies and was forced to start from the rear of the grid.

All cars now racing in “factory” sponsored events must be in possession of a certificate of originality issued after a detailed inspection by Gruppo Maserati Ferrari The object of this detailed procedure is to ensure that only bona fide cars can participate in the Challenge – a move welcomed by regular competitors.

GROUP A

Burkhard von Schenk was a double winner, with Monaco attendee’s Stefan Schollwoeck (Maserati 6CM) second and Alex Boswell (Ferrari 625F1) third in both races.

GROUP B

Von Schenk continued his winning ways in Group B, with double victories over Carlos Monteverde and Christian Traber in Ferrari 750 Monza’s. Monteverde was looking to a possible win in Race 1, but sadly spun exciting La Source on the last lap.

GROUP C

Pole sitter Pete Hardman made an excellent start in Race 1, but current FIA Champion John Bosch (BB/LM) had overtaken 5 cars by Eau Rouge on the opening lap and went on to win by 25 seconds – undoubtedly the drive of the weekend, with Hardman second and Gilbert Sergent (512 BB/LM) third. In Race 2, Bosch spent the opening lap “warming up” his tyres and by the end of lap 1 crossed the line in 3rd, 16 seconds behind Hardman. With 8 laps completed, Hardman won with Bosch second, 33 seconds behind, and 2003 Champion Vincent Gaye third, a lap down in his superb 250 SWB.

 

Watch out for Pete Hardman’s crowd-pleasing driving style at the eleventh Goodwood Festival of Speed, where Rolls Royce will be the celebrated marque, the new Maserati MC12 will make its public UK debut and star drivers will include F1 World Champions Emerson Fittipaldi and Alan Jones – see you there!