1.11.09

The Inaugural Algarve Historic Grand Prix took place at the Autodromo Algarve, in Portimao, over the weekend of October 16th-18th  and with 16 races for Masters, Gentlemen Drivers, Formula Junior and HGPCA historic categories, combined with a Mini Golden Jubilee celebration and on track displays for Ferrari and Maserati, there was something for everyone at Europe’s newest F1 standard track.

Several FOC GB members took part over the weekend, with Steve Tandy enjoying success in his Lola T70C and Tony Smith a double victor in his Dino 246. With a 240 strong entry, (85% of which were from UK), 80 degrees of sunshine and a world class facility (where else is there a swimming pool in the paddock?), it was a great way to finish off the European season – here were my highlights:

• Homologated by the FIA and FIM in October 2008, the Algarve Motorsports Park was built at a cost of €195 million. Celebrating its first anniversary, the 2.9 mile per lap, 13 corner track, has 64 possible layouts and was a challenge for even the most experienced racer, including Sir Stirling Moss, who shared his Osca FS372 in the 2hr two driver race bearing his name.

• Attracting much attention over the weekend were the two 1974 Matra MS670Cs raced by father and son ace historic race preparers, Rick and Rob Hall. With one win each it was a fitting celebration for the 35th anniversary of Matra’s third win at Le Mans, with Henri Pescarolo and Gerard Larousse. The wailing 3 litre V12s were audible at every point on the circuit and not even triple Indycar champion Bobby Rahal could catch them in his Lola T290

• As with Moss and Rahal several former racers have turned to historic motorport to fulfil that competitive instinct. Former Arrows F1 team owner and ’69 Le Mans winner Jackie Oliver finished second in a BMW 1800 he regularly shares in endurance races with Richard Shaw. Fellow BRDC member and 1980 IMSA champion John Fitzpatrick shared Jim Woodley’s rumbling Ford Galaxie until its exhaust broke, whilst FOC member, trackday instructor and very successful Ford racer Vince Woodman enjoyed two races over the weekend in his rebuilt Cologne Capri

• Rod Jolley’s Lister Jaguar Monzanapolis was built by Ecurie Ecosse to compete in The Two Worlds Trophy, held at Monza in 1957 and 1958 and co-promoted by the Automobile Club of Milan and USAC (United States Auto Club). Run over 3x63 lap heats, its entry matched Offenhauser powered Indycars against Maserati 250Fs, Jaguar D types and Ferrari’s 296 and 375 Indycar on the 30 degree banked circuit. Superbly presented then as now, in polished aluminium, it’s a reminder of what might have been when F1 first met Indycar

• Visiting the Portimao track was a first for me and so was seeing a DKW Monza. The Auto Union derived, 900cc, 3 cylinder Sonderklasse set five international speed records at the Italian track in 1956 and with advanced aerodynamics and a fibreglass body a high proportion of the approx 70 built remain.          

The inaugural Algarve Historic Festival was a huge success and with more off track activity, improved race information and enhanced English language commentary, it’s very definitely a fitting end to my season - thanks to organiser Francisco Santos, who made it all possible.

On returning to the UK, came the sad news of the passing of Roy Lane, longtime FOC member, four times British Hillclimb Champion and British Sprint Champion. With FOC Vice President Richard Colton’s Steel King safety footwear company as one of his long-time sponsors, Roy was at the top of the timesheets in speed hillclimbing across five decades. His achievements were acknowledged in 2002 with membership of the BRDC. He will be much missed.