Silverstone celebration for Clark

F1 Retro – August 2013

Jim Clark won the British GP at Silverstone for the first time 60 years ago this month, having also clinched it at Aintree in ’62.

He did both in the ground-breaking Lotus 25, the brilliant Colin Chapman creation which helped Scotland’s fastest sheep farmer dominate the ’63 world championship with seven wins out of a ten-round season.

In August 2013, Motor Sport was present when another Saltired F1 hero, David Coulthard, took to Silverstone in a 25 to then mark half a century since Clark’s famous win and fantastic championship achievement.

“Well, if you’d just like to put me in the back of the truck I’ll stay in here,” said Coulthard at the end of his run. “Tell the wife and kids I love them, but I might not be coming home.”

The first full-monocoque design in F1 and one of the ultimate Chapman cars, it’s not difficult to see why Coulthard was so enthused.

With Lotus mechanics, including the legendary Bob Dance, on hand to help DC get comfortable, it’s a fast-paced trip down memory lane for several involved.

“You have great visibility but I did feel exposed,” Coulthard said. “You feel that at Monaco you could almost reach out and touch the barriers.”

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