Geneva Rally

Generally considered to be one of the better and tougher of the European rallies, the Geneva Rally attracted more attention this year as it became a decisive factor in the struggle for the European Rally Championship. Before it took place, Erik Carlsson (Saab) was winning by a small margin from his fellow countryman, Tom Trana (Volvo), as the points which he had won in the Alpine Rally had been lost to him because the F.I.A. had decided that there were not enough starters in Erik’s category. This made any points that could be gained from the Geneva doubly valuable, especially as the German Rally had had to be cancelled, and both Swedes turned out for the Geneva.

Ice and snow caused some of the sections to be cancelled but the generally adverse conditions enabled Carlsson to use his greater experience to outstrip the young Volvo driver, and he finished third overall, beating ex-European Rally Champion, Hans Walter, in a works B.M.W. 1800 TI by five marks. Second overall was Terry Hunter in a works Spitfire, which was a magnificent drive by the young English driver in a car that shows much promise for next year. The Coupe des Dames award went to Pat Moss and Liz Nystrom in another Saab, while Trana finished sixth overall just ahead of les girls.

The points gained by Carlsson increased his lead over Trana in the Championship to nine points. but Trana’s recent win in the R.A.C. Rally, on which Carlsson finished eighth, cancelled that out and has given the title to the young Swede.—J. D. F. D.