Ever gifted, never lifted

Sir,

As Mark Hughes describes (November 2000 issue), Stefan Bellof was an incredible driver, as anyone who witnessed him in action would agree.

In May 1983, I took myself to the Nrirburgring 1000 Kilometres, because I knew would be the last world sportscar championship encounter on the amazing Nordschleife.

I was watching at the Pflanzgarten just as Bellof arrived in the factory Porsche 956, already well in the lead thanks to the efforts of Derek Bell.

The German was flat out in top and simply took off over the hump. And the ensuing crash left debris scattered over 300 yards.

You are right: Bellof knew only one way to drive — flat out all the time. His was a great talent lost.

I am, Yours etc, Brian Joscelyne Braintree, Essex