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Following the 14th edition of this event was a stroke of luck for me. With exclusive access as a photographer trackside, I was disheartened to witness several damaged and ruined cars. I saw a damaged Penthouse Hesketh being transported on a trailer and, in front of me, a March car collided with the barrier. These incidents caused several interruptions and long waits for the races to resume, resulting in shorter races to avoid racing at night.
Although there are some skilled drivers who do their best in these classic F1 cars, most participants are overweight and elderly owners who are lucky to be able to drive these iconic cars. They deserve their time on the track, as they keep these magnificent F1 cars alive and roaring. That is what makes the event so grand. The Monaco Historic is not just about winning, but about the drivers, their teams, and the whole experience of reliving the sights, sounds, and smells of a beautiful era in our sport.
Here is a summary of the on-track action at the Monaco Historic Grand Prix today:
Renowned designer Adrian Newey was a popular figure in the paddock and pitlane. He drove his 1960s Lotus 49B, competing against much faster 1970s F1 cars. However, he never stood a chance against cars like the Matra MS120C, Lotus 72, and Ferrari 312. Nevertheless, it was a joy to see Newey maneuvering his remarkable machine on the iconic streets of Monte Carlo.
Michael Lyons showed impressive speed in the Surtees TS9, starting from pole position and quickly pulling away from the pack. Unfortunately, his race came to an end at Rascasse due to a technical issue. Katsuaki Kubota in the Lotus 72 seized this opportunity and took the victory.
For enthusiasts like me, seeing cars from Lotus, McLaren, Hesketh, Tyrrell, Ferrari, and others brings back memories of when my love affair with F1 began. It’s a nostalgic experience that holds a special place in my heart.
Stuart Hall, Michael Lyons, and Marco Werner always provide an interesting mix in these cars, showcasing their exceptional speed. Hall led the race from pole position in the McLaren M23, despite some issues with his gearbox. Werner, driving the JPS Lotus 76, kept an eye on Hall from behind. However, Hall eventually retired due to a problem, allowing Nick Padmore in the Lotus to secure second place.
Report in progress…
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